Tiffany Swoffard, the head coach of Canisius women’s basketball, has announced the addition of Kelsey Bess to the Golden Griffins' roster for the 2025-26 academic year. As a transfer student from Harcum College, Bess will join the team as a junior and pursue a degree in biology. Known for her versatility on the court, Bess is expected to significantly enhance the team's performance at both guard and forward positions. Her impressive skills and proven track record make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Bess comes with a strong athletic background, having been a key player for Harcum College during their run to the NJCAA Region 19 finals. Over the course of 23 games, she started in 21 and averaged over 21 minutes per game. Her contributions earned her recognition as part of the NJCAA Division II All Region 19 Second Team and played a pivotal role in securing the East District B Championship for her former team. Harcum concluded the season with an admirable 24-6 record.

Throughout her tenure at Harcum, Bess consistently demonstrated her scoring prowess. She averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting 35.4 percent from the field and 75.7 percent from the free-throw line. Notably, in the Region 19 tournament final against Union, she contributed 10 points and grabbed five rebounds despite the loss. Earlier in the season, she delivered standout performances, including a 20-point game with six rebounds and three assists in a close victory over Union on February 15.

A standout moment in her career came in November 2024 when she scored a career-high 21 points against Mesa Community College, hitting four of her six attempts from beyond the arc. Additionally, she achieved a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in a match against CCBC Essex and delivered another memorable performance with 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds against Rarity Valley.

Kelsey Bess's arrival at Canisius is set to invigorate the women's basketball program. Her combination of experience, skill, and leadership qualities promises to elevate the team's competitive edge in the upcoming academic year. Fans eagerly anticipate her contributions both on and off the court.