Two key guards from Rutgers Women’s Basketball have secured new opportunities as they move forward in their collegiate careers. Kiyomi McMiller and Mya Petticord, both former Scarlet Knights, are set to join Penn State and Auburn respectively, continuing their basketball journeys at high-major programs.

Kiyomi McMiller Joins Penn State

McMiller, a standout player during her time at Rutgers, has chosen to stay within the Big Ten conference by committing to Penn State. Her decision comes after a challenging season marked by personal and team struggles. Despite these challenges, McMiller demonstrated remarkable talent, leading the Scarlet Knights in several statistical categories.

During her tenure at Rutgers, McMiller established herself as a dominant force on the court. In just 21 games, she averaged an impressive 18.7 points per game, dished out three assists per contest, and hit 43 three-pointers. Additionally, she contributed with 4.7 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game. Her efforts earned her recognition with an All-Big Ten honorable mention. However, McMiller faced setbacks midway through the season when she was sidelined due to undisclosed reasons. Following this hiatus, she made a significant return against Nebraska, scoring a career-high 33 points. Unfortunately, McMiller did not play for the remainder of the season, opting instead to enter the transfer portal. Coach Coquese Washington expressed mutual understanding regarding McMiller's departure, acknowledging it as beneficial for both parties involved. Now, as part of the Nittany Lions, McMiller anticipates facing her former teammates once the upcoming Big Ten schedule is released.

Mya Petticord Heads to Auburn

Petticord, another crucial guard for Rutgers, has decided to conclude her eligibility at Auburn, returning to the SEC where she began her college career at Texas A&M. Known for her resilience despite recurring injuries, Petticord leaves a notable impact on the Scarlet Knights’ program.

As a native of Detroit, Petticord brought energy and skill to Rutgers over two seasons. She started in 25 out of 54 games, averaging 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. The 2023-24 season proved particularly productive for Petticord despite limited appearances due to health issues. Recognized for her perimeter shooting ability, she ranked fourth in team scoring and assists while excelling at free-throw accuracy. Highlights include scoring 17 points in her debut against Monmouth and delivering pivotal performances in crucial victories such as Rutgers' narrow win over Nebraska. Most notably, Petticord achieved a career-high 25 points against Minnesota, showcasing her scoring prowess in crunch-time situations. Her contributions extended into the postseason, exemplified by her performance in the WNIT Super 16 match versus Charleston, where she scored 18 points via six successful three-point attempts. With Petticord joining Auburn, the Tigers gain a seasoned player capable of making immediate impacts.