University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Mattio Announces Signing Of Ellie Magestro-Kennedy
5/6/2026 9:30:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball has announced the addition of Ellie Magestro Kennedy to its roster ahead of the upcoming 2026–27 season.
MEET THE SIGNEE
ELLIE MAGESTRO-KENNEDY | GUARD | WRIGHT STATE | JANESVILLE, WIS.
A 5-foot-8 skilled guard, Magestro Kennedy joins the Bears for the 2026–27 season following her time at Wright State. Originally from Janesville, Wisconsin, she brings Division I experience and will add depth and versatility to Northern Colorado's back court.
Magestro Kennedy appeared in all 32 games for Wright State during the 2025–26 season, making 10 starts and averaging 18.7 minutes per game. She averaged 7.7 points per contest, finishing with 246 total points. She shot 34.5 percent from the field and was a consistent threat from beyond the arc shooting 37 percent. She also carried a 75.0 percent free throw mark at the line.
"Ellie is a dynamic addition to our program. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Bear Family. She's a true sniper from the perimeter who has proven she can stretch the floor and change a game with her shooting ability. What separates her is how much she loves to flat out compete on both sides of the floor. She's a relentless worker who is committed to her craft and dedicated to her own development. On top of that, she represents everything we value at UNC...academic excellence, competitive spirit, and an infectious energy that elevates everyone around her. Bear fans are going to love the way she competes in that Blue & Gold next season!" said Head Coach Kristen Mattio.
During the 2024–25 season at Wright State, Magestro Kennedy appeared in 30 games for the Raiders, averaging 11.3 minutes per contest. She recorded a season-high 15 points against Georgia Southern. She redshirted during the 2023–24 season.
Prior to her collegiate career, Magestro Kennedy was a standout at Joseph A. Craig High School, where she was a four-year letter winner and surpassed 1,000 career points. She earned WBCA Division I All-State Honorable Mention honors twice and was a three-time First Team All-Area and All-Conference selection. As a junior, she averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game, after scoring 12.9 points per contest as a sophomore.
Magestro Kennedy combines quickness and court awareness, giving Northern Colorado another reliable option in the guard rotation heading into the 2026–27 campaign.
"I chose UNC because of the coaching staff and the culture that has been built here," Magestro Kennedy said. "The staff was very honest and fun to be around. The culture that has been built and will continue to grow in UNC women's basketball is very special. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that."
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
MEET THE SIGNEE
ELLIE MAGESTRO-KENNEDY | GUARD | WRIGHT STATE | JANESVILLE, WIS.
A 5-foot-8 skilled guard, Magestro Kennedy joins the Bears for the 2026–27 season following her time at Wright State. Originally from Janesville, Wisconsin, she brings Division I experience and will add depth and versatility to Northern Colorado's back court.
Magestro Kennedy appeared in all 32 games for Wright State during the 2025–26 season, making 10 starts and averaging 18.7 minutes per game. She averaged 7.7 points per contest, finishing with 246 total points. She shot 34.5 percent from the field and was a consistent threat from beyond the arc shooting 37 percent. She also carried a 75.0 percent free throw mark at the line.
"Ellie is a dynamic addition to our program. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Bear Family. She's a true sniper from the perimeter who has proven she can stretch the floor and change a game with her shooting ability. What separates her is how much she loves to flat out compete on both sides of the floor. She's a relentless worker who is committed to her craft and dedicated to her own development. On top of that, she represents everything we value at UNC...academic excellence, competitive spirit, and an infectious energy that elevates everyone around her. Bear fans are going to love the way she competes in that Blue & Gold next season!" said Head Coach Kristen Mattio.
During the 2024–25 season at Wright State, Magestro Kennedy appeared in 30 games for the Raiders, averaging 11.3 minutes per contest. She recorded a season-high 15 points against Georgia Southern. She redshirted during the 2023–24 season.
Prior to her collegiate career, Magestro Kennedy was a standout at Joseph A. Craig High School, where she was a four-year letter winner and surpassed 1,000 career points. She earned WBCA Division I All-State Honorable Mention honors twice and was a three-time First Team All-Area and All-Conference selection. As a junior, she averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game, after scoring 12.9 points per contest as a sophomore.
Magestro Kennedy combines quickness and court awareness, giving Northern Colorado another reliable option in the guard rotation heading into the 2026–27 campaign.
"I chose UNC because of the coaching staff and the culture that has been built here," Magestro Kennedy said. "The staff was very honest and fun to be around. The culture that has been built and will continue to grow in UNC women's basketball is very special. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that."
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
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