KINGSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island women's basketball head coach Tammi Reiss announced the addition of Rebecca Demeke to the 2021-22 roster Monday. Demeke comes to Kingston as a transfer from NC State. "I am thrilled to welcome Rebecca to our Ram family," said Reiss. "Rebecca checks every box for me; she's a high character young woman who fits our culture perfectly, and she's been a part of championship teams throughout her career."

As a freshman with NC State, Demeke was the only member of the freshman class to start a game for the Wolfpack in 2020-21. "Rebecca has the ability to get it done on both ends of the floor," said Reiss. "She's an athletic, long defender that has the versatility to guard multiple positions." Demeke played in 14 games, including NC State's NCAA Tournament first-round win over North Carolina A&T. She had her career-best game in the win over Coastal Carolina with eight points and five rebounds in 23 minutes on the floor. "I love Rebecca's ability to shoot the ball," added Reiss. "She has deep range, a quick trigger, and she's going to help stretch the floor for us. Rhody fans will love watching Rebecca in our transition game, attacking the rim or shooting the 3-ball."

A native of Toronto, Ontario, Demeke was a member of the 2019 BioSteel All-Canadian Girls Team. She represented her home country and competed with Team Canada at the 2018 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup in Minsk, Belarus. She was ranked the No. 8 player in Canada and the No. 2 player at her position by Crown Scout Girls Basketball. In 2017, Demeke took home a gold medal with Team Ontario at the 2017 U15 Girls National Championship en route to the teams' 5-0 record. "Rebecca's familiarity of a championship culture is the perfect fit for what we're building here in Kingston," added Reiss."I initially recruited Rebecca when I first took the job here at URI, and I am so happy I have the chance to coach this young woman. Welcome to Rhody Nation Rebecca!"