BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Women's Basketball Head Coach Chelsea Stoltenberg announced the signing of Sophia Rupp and Mia Banks Wednesday morning. 
 
"We add high level scorers and length with the signing of Sophia and Mia at our wing spot," said Coach Stoltenberg. "We are thrilled to add them to our program!"
 
Mia Banks joins the Beavers as a five-foot-nine forward and shooting guard from Mayo High School. Under MHS Head Coach Andy Bromebling, Banks is a two-time Big Nine All-Conference selection. She is also a two-time Hard Hat Award winner through her prep program. Banks is a three-time conference champion with the Spartans. Off the court, Banks is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes as an officer with the organization. She is also a part of the Make-A-Wish Club, girls bible study and is a tailgate captain for her school. In her free time, Banks enjoys weightlifting, hiking, baking and reading. She plans to major in business administration and finance at Bemidji State. 
 
Hailing from Wauseon, Ohio, Sophia Rupp joins BSU as a six-foot-one, right-handed wing. Rupp is an All-Ohio Honorable Mention, All-District First Team, Second Team All-League and Holiday Classic Tournament Team selection. Averaging 10.9 points per game, Rupp highlights the Beavers' style of play as one of the reasons she is excited to join Bemidji State's program. In her free time, Rupp enjoys building lego, spending time with family and friends and playing with her dog. She plans to major in business administration while at BSU.
 
The Beavers kick off the regular season at Valley City State University this Friday at 6 p.m. On Monday, BSU hosts University of Morris, also at 6 p.m., before heading on the road to University of Minnesota Duluth Nov. 25 to kick off Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play against the Bulldogs. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversWBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversWBB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).