Trio Signs with @OspreyWBB

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of North Florida women's basketball head coach Darrick Gibbs has announced the signing of three transfer student-athletes – Simone Brown, Claire Ioannidis and Karrah Johnson – for the upcoming 2015-16 season. Brown, Ioannidis and Johnson join Hadley Kiefer and Katie Meckus as members of the 2015 signing class.

"I'm really excited about this group of young ladies and the impact they will have on this program moving forward," said Gibbs. "Simone, Claire and Karrah all fill specific needs and have proved their ability to be successful at a high level. Not only does their versatility and strengths fit the up-temp style we want to play perfectly, but they're also great young ladies who come from great families.

Simone Brown – Land O'Lakes, Fla./Liberty University
Simone Brown, a 5'11 wing, makes her return to the Sunshine State after starting her career at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

"Simone is a big wing who will add athleticism and length to our team," said Gibbs. "Her ability to rebound on both ends of the floor and to score is very impressive. Simone's length and versatility will allow us to use her in a variety of ways on the defensive end of the floor. She has to sit out this year due to NCAA transfer rules, but with her commitment and work ethic, the sky is the limit for her."

In her two years at Liberty, Brown made an impact on the women's basketball program. Brown averaged 6.4 points per game and shot 78.3 percent (90-for-115). As a freshman, she was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team and helped Liberty win six of its last seven games of the season. During her sophomore campaign, she helped the Lady Flames to the 2015 Big South Championship and a berth to the NCAA Tournament. Brown tallied a career-high 23 points in Liberty's 80-68 win over Penn State on Nov. 28, 2014 at the GSU Thanksgiving Tournament.

Prior to Liberty, Brown graduated from Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach. She was a member of the 2013 Class 3A state championship team, playing a key part for the Green Wave in the championship game. Brown sank two free throws with 1:28 remaining, which gave Father Lopez the lead for good. An All-State honoree, Brown averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game during Father Lopez's 26-5 season.

Brown is the daughter of Dexter and Laverna Brown.

Claire Ioannidis – Melbourne, Australia/Trinidad State Junior College
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Claire Ioannidis played the first two years of her career for Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado. Ioannidis directed the Trojans' offense as the point guard and finished her career as the all-time leader with 202 assists.

"Claire is an unbelievable playmaker who also has the ability to score at all three levels," said Gibbs. "She can shoot with range, which will allow us to space the floor and open up in the paint for post ups and dribble attacks. She has the unique ability to stay aggressive on the offensive end while playing with pace and looking to setup her teammates. Her shooting touch and ball handling ability will be a huge addition to this team."

As a sophomore, Ioannidis dished out 117 total assists, averaging 4.3 per game and ranking third in Region 9. She averaged 16.0 points per game and shot 40.1 percent (145-for-362) from the field and 81.5 percent (97-for-119) from the free throw line.

In her first season at Trinidad State, Ioannidis helped the Trojans qualify for the Regional finals. She averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Ioannidis shot 40.2 percent (92-for-229) from the field, including 43.7 percent (45-for-103) from three-point range.

Prior to Trinidad State, Ioannidis played for the Waverly Falcons in Australia. A two-time Team MVP, she was part of the team that played in the Under-18 National Junior Classic. Ioannidis also helped her team to the 2011 Youth League Championship.

Ioannidis is the daughter of Sam and Fran Ioannidis.

Karrah Johnson – Orlando, Fla./Santa Fe College
Karrah Johnson, a 6'1 post, comes to UNF after completing her sophomore season at Santa Fe College in Gainesville.

"Karrah is physical and will give us a well-needed presence in the paint," said Gibbs. "She has shown the versatility to score with her back to the basket while also being very comfortable facing up and hitting open shots. She runs the floor hard and moves very well in space. Her ability to catch and finish on the move will allow her to flourish in our system."

Appeared in 26 games with starts in 19 of those contests, Johnson averaged 6.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game at Santa Fe. Her 5.7 rebound average was third-highest on the team.

Johnson's collegiate career began at FIU for the 2013-14 season. She appeared in 13 games and scored a season-best seven points against Florida Gulf Coast in the season opener. Johnson pulled down a season-best five rebounds twice.

Johnson had a standout career as a four-year varsity letterwinner at Lake Highland Prep. As a junior, Johnson joined the elite 1,000-point club. She averaged a double-double during her sophomore (14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds), junior (14.0 points, 10.0 rebounds) and senior (11.0 points, 10.0 rebounds) season. She also averaged 11.0 points per game as a freshman. Johnson was named the Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, recipient of the Leadership Award as a junior and tabbed a FABC All-Star as a senior.

Johnson is the daughter of Timothy and Cynthia Lechelle Johnson.

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