KINGSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island women's basketball head coach Tammi Reiss announced the signing of transfer Dez Elmore Wednesday. Elmore comes to Kingston after spending the last three years at Seton Hall after starting her collegiate career at Syracuse. "Reunited and it feels so good!" said Reiss. "We are so excited to welcome Desi to our Ram family. Both Coach [Adeniyi] Amadou and I had the opportunity to coach Desiree five years ago and we are blessed to have the opportunity to finish her collegiate career together." The Hartford, Conn. native is the second transfer joining the Rams this week, and the third overall during the offseason.

A member of the 2020-21 All-BIG EAST First Team, Elmore was the only player in the BIG EAST Conference to rank in the Top-15 in all five major statistical categories: scoring (17.4), rebounding (9.1), assists (3.3), blocks (1.4) and steals (1.9). She played in 19 games for the Pirates her senior year, making 17 starts. She led the team in double-doubles (5) for the second straight season, and was ranked seventh in the BIG EAST with her 17.4 points per game. She was second in the league with her 9.1 boards per game. A member of the 2020-21 All-Met Second Team, Elmore became the 23rd player in program history to record 1,000 career points as a Pirate, finishing with 1,032 in three seasons . "Desi is a very skilled, versatile, gifted offensive player," added Reiss. "I would describe her as a flat-out baller, who has a beautiful feel and IQ for the game. She can play inside, outside, score in multiple ways, and defend multiple positions." 

Elmore had back-to-back appearances on the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Her junior season, she led Seton Hall with 33 blocks while leading the team in scoring 10 times. Named to the 2019-20 All-Met Third Team, Elmore raked in two BIG EAST Player of the Week honors and four BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll nods while with the Pirates. "She is the epitome of versatility on both sides of the ball," said Reiss. "What I love most about Desi is the level of experience and toughness she brings to our team." 

While with the Orange, Elmore saw the floor in 24 games as a freshman. She had season-highs of 15 points against Niagra and six rebounds at Stony Brook during her rookie season before missing the entirety of 2017-18 with injury. 

Coming out of Capital Prep in Hartford, Elmore was a five-star recruit and was the No. 51 player in the 2016 ESPNW Hoopgurlz rankings. She was a 2016 McDonald's All-American nominee and a four-time Class L All-State selection. Elmore led the Lady Blazers to four straight state titles, finishing No. 1 in the state rankings every year and never losing a game against a team from the state of Connecticut. The 2015-16 New Haven Register Connecticut Player of the Year, she finished her senior season averaging 26.7 points, 15.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.5 blocked shots per contest. Elmore finished her prep career with school records in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. 

Elmore comes to Kingston as a graduate transfer with immediate eligibility. "She is a fierce competitor," finished Reiss. "The sky is the limit for this young woman, and I can't wait for our fans to see her take the Ryan center floor." The third Power-5 transfer to join the Rams this offseason, Elmore joins Providence transfer Chanell Williams and NC State transfer Rebecca Demeke for the 2021-22 season.