Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Women's Basketball and Head Coach Kari Kerkhoff announced its Signing Class for the Fall 2025 signing period on Thursday morning, welcoming Avery Tibbs (Washington, IL) and Emma Sampson (Fall River, WI). The guard/forward duo look to bolster a Bearcat roster in hopes of GLVC contention in the 2026-2027 season. 

AVERY TIBBS | 5'8" GUARD | WASHINGTON HS | WASHINGTON, IL
Tibbs is a remarkable sharp-shooting guard from a State Finals-caliber program just 2.5 hours north of Lebanon in the Washington Panthers, who placed third in the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals this past season. Tibbs, named one of the Peoria Journal Star's 20 area players to watch for the 2025-2026 season, brings what should be a critical piece to how the Bearcats will operate from the perimeter in 26-27 and beyond. 

Tibbs' high school coach, Kim Barth, says as entertaining as it may be to watch her shoot, it's more than that, saying that "it's her relentless work ethic, love of the game, and character off the court". 

Tibbs plays in the Heart of Illinois AAU program, and her coach in that program, Riley Gardner, echos the sentiments of Coach Barth when it comes to Tibbs' off-the-court efforts, talking about how she is "dedicated to community service, actively volunteering and organizing fundraisers for organizations like St. Jude and Camp Hope". Gardner also adds that loyalty has been a enjoyable thing to watch with Tibbs, saying that she "has been with our program since the start of her travel career, which speaks volumes". 

For her accomplishments this past season, Tibbs was also named Second Team All-State by the Associated Press, having averaged 16 points per game, shooting 53% from the field, 46% from three, and also garnering First Team All-State and Unanimous First Team All-Conference honors. 

Head Coach Kari Kerkhoff on Avery Tibbs:
"We're excited to have another Central Illinois native in Avery, who also comes from a winning tradition! Her ability to knock down shots in every situation is elite. We couldn't be more excited to welcome her into our family."  

EMMA SAMPSON | 5'11" FORWARD | FALL RIVER HS | FALL RIVER, WISCONSIN
Sampson is a well-balanced post player that will certainly compliment the range of Tibbs. Already a 1,000-point scorer before the conclusion of her senior season for the Fall River Pirates, Sampson's coach Jim Doolittle calls her "highly active and dedicated", adding that he "particularly admires her resilience and determination".

Sampson's ability to find passing lanes for her teammates, create her own space on her shot selection, and bring the physicality that one would expect from a post player in the GLVC make her a multi-faceted piece to the 2026-27 roster for the Bearcats. 

Sampson has played for the Wisconsin Blaze in AAU action, and her coach, Lisa Van Wyk, says that she looks forward to seeing Sampson play at a new level, saying that her "ability to adapt and learn quickly will absolutely benefit her in college". 

Despite the resume, the player makeup that Sampson has already presented, Van Wyk says that Sampson has "unlimited potential" and believes that she can be an impact player "right away". 

Head Coach Kari Kerkhoff on Emma Sampson:
"Emma is a tough, physical forward who plays with a relentless motor. She has that blue-collar mindset and competitive edge that fits perfectly with our program. We're thrilled to have her join our family and can't wait to see the impact she'll make."