OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University women's basketball coach Dan Nielson has announced the signing of Evie Leeson, a native of New Zealand. Leeson will join the team for the 2025-26 season.

"We are so excited to add Evie to our program," Nielson said. "She brings a high basketball IQ and toughness that we love to see in our post players. We love her ability to rebound and think that her international experience will help her make an immediate impact. We can't wait to get her on campus with the team!"

Leeson, a 6-foot-2 post player, redshirted at Alaska Anchorage last season. Prior to that she attended St. Margaret's College in Christchurch, New Zealand, and also played club for North Canterbury in the Women's Premier League in 2025. She was also a part of Canterbury's club team and competed on the U20 Nationals in 2024 and 2025, the U18 Nationals in 2023, and played for Checkers in the Women's Premier League in 2023 and 2024.

Her prep career at St. Margaret's College included a career-high 42 points, team MVP honors, and Leeson was named the school's Sportswoman of the Year in 2025. She was also part of a U20 squad that took first at the Footlocker Nationals in 2024, where she was named Defensive Player of the Tournament.

Leeson is the daughter of Carolyn and Ed Leeson, and was born in Dublin, Ireland.