NEWARK, NJ–NJIT sixth-year head coach Mike Lane announced the addition of five high school standouts who will join the Highlanders for the 2024-25 season.
Allison Cannon, Piper Engelby, Olivia Kulyk, Olivia O'Meally and Mayah Alford will begin their first semester with the Highlanders in the Fall of 2024.
"What a class," said Lane. "I am thrilled to announce our Class of 2028 and welcome Mayah Alford, Allison Cannon, Piper Engelby, Olivia Kulyk and Olivia O'Meally to Newark! I must recognize Aaron Gratch, Colleen Moriarty, Payce Lange and Camryn Johnson for their excellent effort in bringing these wonderful student-athletes to NJIT. These five players improve our overall versatility, basketball IQ and bounciness. They understand the exceptional value of a degree from NJIT and look to move our women's basketball program forward in the America East!"
Here is a closer look at the 2024 newcomers:
Piper Engelby, Guard, Andover, MN/Andover Senior High School
Engelby, a four-year letterwinner for Andover Senior High School, where she earned NWSC All-Conference honors (honorable mention as a sophomore and All-Conference as a junior). She was recognized as Andover Miss Basketball and led Andover Senior High School as a junior in multiple categories–field goal percentage, three-point percentage, steals and assists.
The 5-foot-11 guard who helped guide Andover Senior High School to Section 7AAAA runner-up, heads into her senior campaign with: 500+ career points, 300+ career rebounds and 100+ career steals.
She played AAU for the Minnesota Suns 2023 Select 40 team. Engelby helped the team to MN State Runner-Up (2x), MN All-Tournament Team, Nike Spring Classic All-Tournament Team, PGH All 2024 Team, Junior All-Star All 2024 Team, All-Defensive Team, Fall Exclusive All-League Team and Fall Exclusive Defensive Top Defender.
Engelby, who intends to major in Biology, Pre-Med, is a three-time Academic Excellence Award Winner, National Honor Society Officer, ranked in the top 7% of the graduating class and was the recipient of the Jefferson Service Award and Presidential Volunteer Award.
Coach Lane Quote on Engelby: "Piper is a great competitor who hits shots from all over the floor. She is a wing with great size, strength and smarts. She plays with passion, is a great teammate and will be one of the hardest working players in the program."
Olivia Kulyk, Guard, Edinboro, PA/Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Kulyk, a two-sport athlete at Mercyhurst Prep, plays basketball and volleyball.
In 2022-23 basketball, Kulyk was named Region Player of the Year, All-Region first-team All District 10 first team while leading Mercyhurst to the 2023 District 10 Championship.
Kulyk, a 1,000-point scorer as a junior, heads into her senior campaign with 1,094 points.
As a member of the volleyball team, Kulyk was a All-District first-team honoree.
She played for Mac Basketball AAU and intends to major in Biology at NJIT in the Fall 2024.
Coach Lane Quote on Kulyk: "Olivia is a smooth operator. She plays with a coolness that affirms her surname. She can post, hit the midrange and is a major threat from the arc. Beyond her shooting, she sees the game very well."
Allison Cannon, Guard, Holmdel,NJ/Holmdel
Cannon, a 5-foot-9 guard, helped guide Holmdel High School in capturing the division title in 2023. Cannon was also selected Most Improved Player in 2023.
She played AAU for the 17u HGSL Scoreshots and intends to major in Biology at NJIT in the Fall 2024.
Coach Lane Quote on Cannon: "Allison plays like she has been shot out of a cannon. There is a ferocity to her game that is apparent when you first see her play. She is a physical guard that can score at all three levels and is a defensive menace."
Olivia O'Meally, Forward, Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna
O'Meally, a 6-foot forward, attended Niskayuna High School and played AAU for Terrence Florence.
O'Meally intends to major in Biology at NJIT in Fall 2024.
Coach Lane Quote on O'Meally: "Olivia is a versatile player that does damage inside and outside. She plays off the bounce very well, hunts her outside shot, is a presence on the glass and defends both guards and forwards."
Mayah Alford, Guard, Levittown, PA/Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy
A four-year member of the Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy in Hamilton, NJ, Alford earned All-League and All-Area second-team honors.
Alford played AAU for New Heights and intends to major in Business Administration at NJIT in the Fall 2024.
Coach Lane Quote on Alford: "Mayah is a long guard that affects the game on both ends of the floor. She plays with great energy and is a leader on and off the court. She attacks the paint where she finishes creatively, and can defend many different positions."
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