Gainesville, FL

Malanie Francis has officially signed to play at McNeese State University following the 2025-26 season. The 6'5 Center from Manchester, Jamaica is in her second season with the Saints and is averaging 5.0 points and 8.0 rebounds off of 46.2% shooting.

Last season, Francis continuously worked to improve her game; cleaning the glass and becoming increasingly more polished as the season progressed. This season, Francis has reached double digit rebounds in two of their three games and is destined to be a large part of the 2025-26 Saints.

"McNeese State got a steal in Malanie Francis.  She's a rare find and being a post player with size, athleticism, length, and a ceiling that's has so much room for growth" add head women's basketball coach David Lowery.  "She made it a priority this summer to get in the gym every day and work on her skill set.  She's in the gym five days a week at 5:00 a.m. working to better herself as a basketball player.  She will continue to get better this season as she gets game experience, and I am so excited for Malanie and can't wait to see her excel as she goes to the next level."

Francis will be joining a Lady cowboys squad in year two of new leadership under Coach Ayla Guzzardo, who is currently in her first season with McNeese State Women's Basketball.