JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team has added three transfers to the 2019-20 roster. Union head coach Mark Campbell announced the additions of Jacie Higgins (Conway, Ark.), Caroline Hogue (Little Rock, Ark.), and Jaelencia Williams (Indianapolis, Ind.). 

Campbell said, "All three of these young ladies will make an immediate impact on this years team. They also will fit into Union as we try to establish a new culture with eight new players and the possibility of more before we start the school year."

Higgins, a 5-foot-11 junior guard, transferred to Union from Arkansas Tech University where she played two seasons. She was named all-conference twice while helping lead her team to one conference title and one conference runner up finish. She played in 30 games with 10 starts as a freshman, averaging 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. As a sophomore, she averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 30 games with 26 starts. She was on the Dean's list at Arkansas Tech. Higgins prepped at Conway High School where she helped lead her team to the 2014 state title. She was named all-conference four times, all-state three times, and all-state tournament once. She was the first freshman to ever play up for high school in Arkansas. Off the court, she was on the honor roll all four years and was a member of the National Honors Society. Campbell said, "Jacie is a long athletic guard who will add some speed and athleticism to our frontcourt. She has competitiveness about her that will help our team as we try to improve in this way. She is an excellent three-point shooter as well. She also will really give us the ability to be more versatile." 

Hogue, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, transferred to Union from Harding University where she played one season in 2016-17. She averaged 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. In 2017, she was named D2CCA All-Region, Central Region Tournament MVP, All-Central Region Tournament, GAC Newcomer of the Year, All-GAC, and GAC All-Tournament. She helped lead Harding to the NCAA D2 national semifinals in 2017. Prior to Harding, Hogue spent one year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha where she played in 30 games, averaging 9.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Hogue prepped at Arkansas Baptist High School where she played basketball and softball. She also played AAU basketball for Team Arkansas Elite and san Antonio's Finest. Hogue was named all-conference four times and all-state three times. She averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game in her junior and senior seasons. She blocked 998 shots in high school, setting the Arkansas state high school record and was second all-time in the nation. Hogue was named a McDonalds All-America nominee. Campbell said, "Caroline has been with us since February so she understands what is expected. She has already had s successful career before she got here and we expect her to make an impact." 

Williams, a 6-foot-2 junior center, transferred to Union from Purdue University Fort Wayne where she played two years of basketball. She played in all 28 games as a freshman with 15 starts, then played in 29 games as a sophomore with seven starts. In her two seasons, she averaged 8.6 points with 4.9 rebounds per game, while also shooting 49 percent from the field. Williams prepped at Southport High School where she led her team to the conference championship. She was named first-team all-conference, Indiana All-State team, Most Improved Award, and was named to the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Large School All-Star Team. She led her team in scoring with 15.7 points per game and added 9.3 rebounds per game while leaving high school as her team career defensive rebound record holder. Campbell said, "Jaelencia is one of the better post players we have brought on a visit here! She has great hands, loves to play physical with her back to the basket, is very efficient, and has a great heart! She will also play a vital role on this years team."

These three transfers will join five freshmen as newcomers this year. Patricia Tsafack (Yaounde), Leah Cauble (Oran Mo.), Sadie Knee (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Shanique Lucas (Port Moresby, Asia), and Kieli Robinson (Paris, Ark.). Union has just four returning players from last season. 

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