Central Michigan University Athletics
Women’s Basketball Inks Nevaeh Williams to Open Spring Recruiting Cycle
4/15/2026 1:27:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The veteran, defensive-minded point guard carries personal ties to Central Michigan; landed on GLIAC All-Defense last season for Davenport
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan Women's Basketball signed Nevaeh Williams (Mount Clemens, Mich. / Mount Clemens) Saturday afternoon, the first addition to the 2026-27 roster following the opening of the transfer portal April 6.
"I trust Coach Haynie and truly believe in everything she has accomplished," Williams said. "I am confident that under her guidance, I can continue to develop my skills and reach the next level in my career. At the same time, I am motivated to contribute to the program's success and help bring another winning season back to Central Michigan."
"We are excited to welcome Nevaeh to the Chippewa family because of the way she carries herself both on and off the court," Head Coach Kristin Haynie said. "She brings valuable experience and strong leadership to our program, embodies everything we look for in a Chippewa, and we're thrilled to have her join our family."
Williams joins the Chippewas for her final year of eligibility after four seasons at NCAA II Davenport, where she played for former CMU standout and current Panthers Head Coach Shonda (Long) Sanders.
"My former head coach played here and did really great things for the program," Williams acknowledged. "Knowing that I was her first recruit makes this opportunity feel like a full-circle moment in my journey."
The point guard's redshirt-junior campaign at Davenport netted a GLIAC All-Defense nod as the team's leader in steals (58) to go along with a career-best 13 points per game. Williams scored a career-high 28 points at Saginaw Valley (Feb. 21), recorded her first double-digit rebound performance (11) at Purdue Northwest (Feb. 7) and eight assists for another career mark at McKendree (Dec. 13).
"Her passion for the game is unmatched," Haynie said. "If she's not satisfied with her performance, she's the type of player who will get right back in the gym and put in the work."
The 2022 valedictorian graduate of Mount Clemens High School remains a notable figure in the MHSAA record book as she stands fifth all-time for scoring 60 points against the Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (Jan. 7, 2022) en route to being a BCAM All-State selection and the Charter School Conference Player of the Year.
"One of the biggest factors [in signing with CMU] was how close it is to home," Williams said, "allowing me to stay connected with my support system while still growing independently. At the same time, the University's rich history and tradition made me want to be part of something bigger than myself."
On top of the Sanders connection, Williams also seeks to become the second of her and her three siblings to come away with a degree from Central Michigan University as her brother, Eric Arnold, graduated from CMU in 2021.
"My decision is also deeply personal because of my family connection—my brother graduated from Central Michigan, which makes continuing that legacy especially important to me."
Central Michigan Women's Basketball posted a second consecutive multi-win improvement for the first time since 2005-06 in the third season under Head Coach Kristin Haynie. The Chippewas tallied an 18-12 record overall, 12-6 in the Mid-American Conference—improvements of four and three wins, respectively.
CMU defeated a power-conference opponent for the first time since Dec. 2018 (Nov. 30 vs. Purdue), retained the Michigan MAC Trophy in sweeping in-state rivals Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan, and again was a national frontrunner in rebounding—seventh in NCAA I in rebounding margin (10.4) on the season.
"I trust Coach Haynie and truly believe in everything she has accomplished," Williams said. "I am confident that under her guidance, I can continue to develop my skills and reach the next level in my career. At the same time, I am motivated to contribute to the program's success and help bring another winning season back to Central Michigan."
"We are excited to welcome Nevaeh to the Chippewa family because of the way she carries herself both on and off the court," Head Coach Kristin Haynie said. "She brings valuable experience and strong leadership to our program, embodies everything we look for in a Chippewa, and we're thrilled to have her join our family."
Williams joins the Chippewas for her final year of eligibility after four seasons at NCAA II Davenport, where she played for former CMU standout and current Panthers Head Coach Shonda (Long) Sanders.
"My former head coach played here and did really great things for the program," Williams acknowledged. "Knowing that I was her first recruit makes this opportunity feel like a full-circle moment in my journey."
The point guard's redshirt-junior campaign at Davenport netted a GLIAC All-Defense nod as the team's leader in steals (58) to go along with a career-best 13 points per game. Williams scored a career-high 28 points at Saginaw Valley (Feb. 21), recorded her first double-digit rebound performance (11) at Purdue Northwest (Feb. 7) and eight assists for another career mark at McKendree (Dec. 13).
"Her passion for the game is unmatched," Haynie said. "If she's not satisfied with her performance, she's the type of player who will get right back in the gym and put in the work."
The 2022 valedictorian graduate of Mount Clemens High School remains a notable figure in the MHSAA record book as she stands fifth all-time for scoring 60 points against the Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (Jan. 7, 2022) en route to being a BCAM All-State selection and the Charter School Conference Player of the Year.
"One of the biggest factors [in signing with CMU] was how close it is to home," Williams said, "allowing me to stay connected with my support system while still growing independently. At the same time, the University's rich history and tradition made me want to be part of something bigger than myself."
On top of the Sanders connection, Williams also seeks to become the second of her and her three siblings to come away with a degree from Central Michigan University as her brother, Eric Arnold, graduated from CMU in 2021.
"My decision is also deeply personal because of my family connection—my brother graduated from Central Michigan, which makes continuing that legacy especially important to me."
Central Michigan Women's Basketball posted a second consecutive multi-win improvement for the first time since 2005-06 in the third season under Head Coach Kristin Haynie. The Chippewas tallied an 18-12 record overall, 12-6 in the Mid-American Conference—improvements of four and three wins, respectively.
CMU defeated a power-conference opponent for the first time since Dec. 2018 (Nov. 30 vs. Purdue), retained the Michigan MAC Trophy in sweeping in-state rivals Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan, and again was a national frontrunner in rebounding—seventh in NCAA I in rebounding margin (10.4) on the season.
Players Mentioned
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