Three Standouts Sign On For USC Women’s Basketball
November 08, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Women of Troy welcome Rian Forestier, Avery Howell and Laura Williams for 2024-25.
LOS ANGELES — Three stars from three different states have signed on to join the USC women's basketball program, with Rian Forestier, Avery Howell and Laura Williams officially heading to Troy after signing national letters of intent today (Nov. 8). Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has the Women of Troy on the rise, and this trio of new Trojans are primed to keep the trajectory of the USC program on pace.
"This is a significant day for our program as we announce the signing of three young women who, collectively, are exceptional students and hoopers with a winning mentality," Gottlieb said of today's signees. "They are unafraid to aim for it all: a respected USC degree, the advantages of the LA backdrop and the chance to help elevate our program."
RIAN FORESTIER
5-11 Guard
San Antonio, Texas (Brandeis HS/San Antonio Finest)
Ranked as the top guard in Texas, Rian Forestier is a noted 3-point threat and a regular on all-state, all-region and all-district honor rolls. District MVP as a junior, she was the All-Area and All-District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman at Brandeis High in San Antonio. Also committed to community service, Forestier founded a non-profit called 4WARD, which donates new basketball shoes to middle school girls in the San Antonio region.
"Rian is an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ and a versatile skill set," Gottlieb said of Forestier. "She has a knack for seeing and making the right basketball play, and will be an asset as we build a championship-level roster. She is a tireless worker who exudes positive energy and makes every room she walks into a little bit brighter. The entire Trojan community will love Rian's game as well as her personality and character."
AVERY HOWELL
6-0 Guard
Boise, Idaho (Boise HS/Meta Hoops AAU)
The 2023 Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year, Avery Howell stands ranked No. 23 in the nation and was a participant in the Wooten Top 150. Also an invitee to the Canadian National Team's training camp in 2023, Howell is a highly touted guard who set single-season records in points and rebounds in her junior season at Boise High, which finished third at the 2023 state championships. She participate in the Adidas 3SSB Eurocamp and was one of the top scorers and rebounders on the Adidas Circuit in the summer.
"Avery is a tremendous competitor," Gottlieb said of Howell. "She exudes toughness and a winning mentality every time she steps on the court. Add to that a skill set that includes rebounding, three-level scoring and the ability to handle, and we are signing a very special player. Avery put up wild numbers on the circuit this summer, but our fans in Galen will truly appreciate her passion, defense and Fight On mentality as well."
LAURA WILLIAMS
6-1 Forward
Fairfax, Va. (St. Paul VI Catholic HS/Fairfax Stars AAU)
The top-ranked player in Virginia, Laura Williams has helped St. Paul VI continue its run of state titles. A top-100 player in the ESPN's 2024 class, Williams averaged 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with Fairfax Stars AAU and the 2023 summer Nike EYBL circuit soon after earning First Team All-State honors.
"We have found an East Coast gem in Laura Williams, and we are excited to bring her to LA and the USC family," Gottlieb said of Williams. "Laura is an athlete with an incredible motor. She rebounds, she runs, she finishes and she'll fit well into our up-tempo mentality. She's a gym rat who is continually expanding her game, and she'll excel in a Trojan uniform."
"This is a significant day for our program as we announce the signing of three young women who, collectively, are exceptional students and hoopers with a winning mentality," Gottlieb said of today's signees. "They are unafraid to aim for it all: a respected USC degree, the advantages of the LA backdrop and the chance to help elevate our program."
RIAN FORESTIER
5-11 Guard
San Antonio, Texas (Brandeis HS/San Antonio Finest)
Ranked as the top guard in Texas, Rian Forestier is a noted 3-point threat and a regular on all-state, all-region and all-district honor rolls. District MVP as a junior, she was the All-Area and All-District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman at Brandeis High in San Antonio. Also committed to community service, Forestier founded a non-profit called 4WARD, which donates new basketball shoes to middle school girls in the San Antonio region.
"Rian is an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ and a versatile skill set," Gottlieb said of Forestier. "She has a knack for seeing and making the right basketball play, and will be an asset as we build a championship-level roster. She is a tireless worker who exudes positive energy and makes every room she walks into a little bit brighter. The entire Trojan community will love Rian's game as well as her personality and character."
A look at what we're adding in @rian_forestier 👀✌️ pic.twitter.com/mPKyqW5lpN
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) November 8, 2023
AVERY HOWELL
6-0 Guard
Boise, Idaho (Boise HS/Meta Hoops AAU)
The 2023 Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year, Avery Howell stands ranked No. 23 in the nation and was a participant in the Wooten Top 150. Also an invitee to the Canadian National Team's training camp in 2023, Howell is a highly touted guard who set single-season records in points and rebounds in her junior season at Boise High, which finished third at the 2023 state championships. She participate in the Adidas 3SSB Eurocamp and was one of the top scorers and rebounders on the Adidas Circuit in the summer.
"Avery is a tremendous competitor," Gottlieb said of Howell. "She exudes toughness and a winning mentality every time she steps on the court. Add to that a skill set that includes rebounding, three-level scoring and the ability to handle, and we are signing a very special player. Avery put up wild numbers on the circuit this summer, but our fans in Galen will truly appreciate her passion, defense and Fight On mentality as well."
Can't wait to see more of this at Galen Center 👀 pic.twitter.com/N6FQodiqgi
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) November 8, 2023
LAURA WILLIAMS
6-1 Forward
Fairfax, Va. (St. Paul VI Catholic HS/Fairfax Stars AAU)
The top-ranked player in Virginia, Laura Williams has helped St. Paul VI continue its run of state titles. A top-100 player in the ESPN's 2024 class, Williams averaged 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with Fairfax Stars AAU and the 2023 summer Nike EYBL circuit soon after earning First Team All-State honors.
"We have found an East Coast gem in Laura Williams, and we are excited to bring her to LA and the USC family," Gottlieb said of Williams. "Laura is an athlete with an incredible motor. She rebounds, she runs, she finishes and she'll fit well into our up-tempo mentality. She's a gym rat who is continually expanding her game, and she'll excel in a Trojan uniform."
Fired up to add Laura to the squad 🔥✌️ pic.twitter.com/q7l4U47pkb
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) November 9, 2023
Women's Basketball Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb Media Availability 9/18/25
Thursday, September 18
USC WBB's Lindsay Gottlieb, Rayah Marshall and Talia von Oelhoffen | Trojan Press Conference
Monday, March 31
USC WBB heads to the Elite 8, defeats Kansas State in Sweet 16 | Rapid Reaction
Saturday, March 29
Kennedy Smith on USC WBB heading to the Elite Eight, Trojan freshmen getting the job done
Saturday, March 29
