University of Northern Colorado Athletics
UNC Women’s Basketball Adds Dynamic Guard Lele Tanuvasa to 2025 Roster
4/23/2025 6:03:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado Women's Basketball program has officially announced the signing of 6'0" guard Saulele "Lele" Tanuvasa, Head Coach Kristen Mattio confirmed Wednesday. A versatile and powerful guard, Tanuvasa brings scoring punch, playmaking ability, and a strong presence on both ends of the court to the Bears' backcourt rotation.
Tanuvasa began her collegiate career at the University of Colorado, where she redshirted, before playing the 2024–25 season at USC Upstate. During her time with the Spartans, she appeared in 27 games and averaged 3.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 11.0 minutes per contest. She shot 38.1% from the field, with season highs of 10 points (vs. Charleston Southern), 6 rebounds (at Longwood), and 3 assists (twice). She also hit 5 three-pointers on the year and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line in a win over Queens (NC).
A California native, Tanuvasa relocated with her family to Colorado two years ago, making her return to the Centennial State a homecoming of sorts. Her dynamic style of play and ability to impact the game in multiple ways—through scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—make her an exciting addition to UNC's guard group.
Head Coach Kristen Mattio shared her thoughts on the new addition:
"We are excited to have Lele join our program! Lele is a strong, dynamic guard with good size and an excellent ability to finish in and around the rim. She adds a combination of scoring, playmaking, and can also rebound from the guard position! Lele will be able to impact the game in multiple ways for us. We are excited to bring Lele back to Colorado to play in front of her family the next three years! Bear fans are going to love watching her on the court this next season!"
Prior to her college career, Tanuvasa built a strong high school resume and was known for her tenacity and toughness on the court. Now back in Colorado, she's ready to take the next step in her journey and make an immediate impact in the Big Sky.
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
Tanuvasa began her collegiate career at the University of Colorado, where she redshirted, before playing the 2024–25 season at USC Upstate. During her time with the Spartans, she appeared in 27 games and averaged 3.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 11.0 minutes per contest. She shot 38.1% from the field, with season highs of 10 points (vs. Charleston Southern), 6 rebounds (at Longwood), and 3 assists (twice). She also hit 5 three-pointers on the year and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line in a win over Queens (NC).
A California native, Tanuvasa relocated with her family to Colorado two years ago, making her return to the Centennial State a homecoming of sorts. Her dynamic style of play and ability to impact the game in multiple ways—through scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—make her an exciting addition to UNC's guard group.
Head Coach Kristen Mattio shared her thoughts on the new addition:
"We are excited to have Lele join our program! Lele is a strong, dynamic guard with good size and an excellent ability to finish in and around the rim. She adds a combination of scoring, playmaking, and can also rebound from the guard position! Lele will be able to impact the game in multiple ways for us. We are excited to bring Lele back to Colorado to play in front of her family the next three years! Bear fans are going to love watching her on the court this next season!"
Prior to her college career, Tanuvasa built a strong high school resume and was known for her tenacity and toughness on the court. Now back in Colorado, she's ready to take the next step in her journey and make an immediate impact in the Big Sky.
Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
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