PIONEERS WELCOME FOUR ON 2025 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

By: Shelby Hogan

From left to right: Riley Gross, Destiny Arinze, Summer Sodek and Jillian DeFranza.

Basketball | 11/14/2025 3:30:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 14, 2025) - The Texas Woman's University basketball team is proud to announce the addition of four new Pioneers to their recruiting class: Summer Sodek, Riley Gross, Jillian DeFranza and Destiny Arinze.

Summer Sodek joins the Pioneers after an impressive high school career at Flatonia ISD, where she earned All-State honors, was a three-time District MVP, and made the Basketball Super Elite Team. She helped lead her team to a string of postseason successes, including being 2023 Area Qualifiers, 2024 Regional Quarterfinalists, and 2025 Regional Finalists, as well as 2025 District Champions. Off the court, Sodek is deeply involved in her community, serving with her church and local service groups while helping at youth volleyball and basketball camps. A standout in the classroom, she is the highest-ranking student in the Flatonia Class of 2026 and a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Interact Club. Sodek has competed for Austin Elite and Team Lex.

"Summer is a dynamic scorer who can score at all three levels," TWU Head Coach Beth Jillson said. "She is a proven winner who has experienced consistent success throughout her high school career. Her versatility and IQ will help her make an immediate impact within our program. Beyond the basketball court, her high character and academic success will be an outstanding fit within our Pioneer culture!"

Riley Gross brings a strong inside-out presence to the Pioneers. A multi-year standout for Conroe High School, she earned Second Team All-District honors as a sophomore, First Team All-District as a junior and was named Offensive MVP. She has helped her team to the Bi-District playoffs in all three seasons of her high school career. Additionally, she was a multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, volleyball and track and field. Academically, she has been named Academic All-District twice and ranks in the Top 10% of her class for three consecutive years. She played club basketball with Proskills Houston and Texas Hoops Society.

"Riley is a tough, physical post player with a strong back-to-the-basket game," Coach Jillson said. "She brings tremendous energy to the floor—always vocal, always supporting her teammates. Her coachability and ability to quickly apply feedback really stood out to our staff during Elite Camp this summer. We're thrilled to officially welcome Riley to the TWU family!"

Jillian DeFranza comes to TWU after a decorated career at Regina Dominican in Chicago, Ill. She was named ISL Conference Player of the Year, Regina Player of the Year, and earned Illinois Third Team All-State honors. DeFranza helped guide her team to Regional Championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as a Fourth Place finish at the Illinois Class 2A State Tournament and an ISL Conference Championship. In the classroom, she is a high-achieving student and a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and National Science Honor Society. She also serves as Class Leadership Board Secretary and participates in numerous school clubs and service initiatives. DeFranza competed for All In Athletics 3SSB and Lady High Rollers.

"Jillian joins our program as a dynamic point guard from a winning program in Chicago, Ill.," Coach Jillson said. "Known for her high motor and infectious energy, Jillian is a true floor general who thrives on making her teammates better. Jillian's versatility and competitiveness make her a valuable addition to our back court. Above all, she's a relentless teammate who champions those around her and elevates the energy of everyone in the gym."

Destiny Arinze adds size and athleticism to the Pioneers' front court. During her standout career at Sunnyvale High School, she was named the 2022-23 District Newcomer of the Year, 2024-25 District Defensive MVP and earned First Team All-District honors each year. She helped lead her team to the 2023 State Finals and 2025 Regional Semifinals. Arinze is also a mutli-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. Off the court, Arinze is involved in Hilltop Ministry, a youth group at her school that promotes faith and community service. She has competed with Texas Platinum S40.

"Destiny is a high-energy forward and an outstanding defender who plays with relentless effort every time she steps on the court," Coach Jillson said. "Her versatility on the defensive end and athleticism really stood out to our staff during Elite Camp and will translate seamlessly within the LSC. She's a proven leader who comes from a winning program, and we're excited to officially welcome her to the Pioneer family!"

-PIONEERS-

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