FORT MYERS, Fla. - Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball head coach Raina Harmon announced the signing of Denika Lightbourne from Florida International University, marking the second transfer portal addition for the Eagles this offseason.

Lightbourne joins Lily Zeinstra as the latest additions to the program, alongside previously signed freshmen Elle McCulloch and Ari Turla. Returning players for FGCU include Cerina Rolle, Karina Gordon, Sinai Douglas, Jalei Pillow, Shameir Quimby, Airah Lavy, and Eve Alexander.

"Denika is a dynamic combo guard with ability to create off the bounce, get downhill and consistently put pressure on the defense," said Harmon. "Her knack for getting to the free-throw line and her versatility to score AND facilitate makes her a strong addition to our back court."

A senior guard from Nassau, Bahamas, Lightbourne played her high school basketball at Tallulah Falls High School in Georgia and has spent three collegiate seasons across two programs, including two years at Dayton and one at Florida International.

In her junior season at Florida International (2025-26), Lightbourne emerged as one of the team's most efficient offensive players, leading the squad with a 50.3 percent field goal percentage while averaging 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 22 appearances. She reached double figures 10 times, highlighted by a career-high 25 points against Jacksonville State, and added 21 points against USF. She also shot 68.6 percent from the free-throw line and averaged one steal per game, earning 2026 CUSA All-Academic honors.

As a sophomore at Dayton (2024-25), Lightbourne appeared in 15 games, posting season highs of five points and 17 minutes against Rhode Island. As a freshman with the Flyers (2023-24), she appeared in 29 games with 12 starts, averaging 10.2 minutes and 2.4 points per game while shooting 75 percent from the free-throw line. She posted career highs of nine points on 4-of-6 shooting and six rebounds against Wichita State, and made her collegiate debut with two points and two rebounds in the season opener at No. 2 UConn.

Before her collegiate career, Lightbourne was a standout at Tallulah Falls High School in Georgia, earning First Team All-State honors as a senior and being named the team's Most Valuable Player three years in a row. She finished as the school's all-time leader in assists, steals, and blocks while ranking second in scoring. She earned All-Region honors four times, including three First Team selections, and was named Regional Player of the Year in 2022-23. She also received the Blitz Player of the Year award, the Tallulah Falls Athletic Legacy Award, and the Greatest Gains Award. On the international stage, Lightbourne represented the Bahamas Women's Junior National Team in 2017 and 2019 and the Senior National Team in 2022.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Eagles, follow FGCU Women's Basketball on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit FGCUAthletics.com.

2026-27 FGCU BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets for the 2026–27 FGCU Basketball season are officially on sale. To purchase or renew 2026–27 FGCU Basketball season tickets, contact the FGCU Ticket Office:
Phone: 866.FGCU.TIX (866.342.8849)
Email: Tickets@FGCU.edu
Website: FGCUTickets.com