West Virginia women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg announced the signing of forward Riley Makalusky (Fishers, Ind./ Butler) to a grant-in-aid for the 2025-26 academic year. Makalusky intends to major in marketing while attending West Virginia University. Read more: WVU Women’s Basketball Signs Forward Riley Makalusky
Makalusky’s two seasons with Butler have included some impressive achievements. In her freshman season, the 6-foot-2 forward was selected to the Big East All-Freshman Team and led the Big East in 3-point field goal percentage (46.1%). Makalusky has scored 474 points, 160 rebounds, and 66 assists over the last two seasons.
Freshman Season
During her freshman season, Makalusky played in 32 games and was a starter in 14 games, she would average 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds throughout the season. Makalusky averaged 20.9 minutes per game and ended her season with a 44.1 field goal percentage. She went 36 of 77 3-point attempts for the year. Makalusky led Butler in scoring with 14 points off the bench against Purdue with before being getting her first start against Xavier and scoring 19 points.
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Sophomore Season
During her sophomore season, Makalusky played 32 games (starting in 23), averaging 8.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing 24.5 minutes per game. Makalusky scored in double figures 13 times and scored a season-high 16 points against Georgetown.
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High School All-Star
Makalusky became an Indiana All-Star in her junior and senior years of high school. She scored 1,067 points at Hamilton Southeastern, averaging 17.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. During her time at HSE, the Royals reached the sectional final in Class 4A, falling to eventual state runner-up Fishers. Makalusky ranked number 7 in the state of Indiana by Prep Girls Hoops and number 2 at small forward.
Kellogg Echoes Butler Coach’s Praise For Makalusky
Kellogg welcomed the newest addition to his team with a flattering assessment of her career to this point and optimism for her future as a Mountaineer. In a statement from Kellogg, the West Virginia coach expressed the same admiration for Makalusky’s play as her former coach at Butler did. Both coaches described her as a versatile forward with an ability to stretch the defense with her shooting ability, as well as a strong desire to compete on defense.
Butler Coach’s Comments On Makalusky
“Riley is a versatile forward that can stretch defenses from the three-point line or take players off the bounce and in the post.”
“I love that she likes to compete on defense and can guard multiple positions.”
– Austin Parkinson (Butler WBB Coach)
Kellogg’s Comments On Makalusky
“Riley is a fantastic addition to our women’s basketball program, she is a versatile forward that can impact the game in multiple ways”
“She will stretch a defense with her ability to shoot the basketball, but she also can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Riley led the Big East in 3-point shooting her freshman season. She brings a dimension to our team that we haven’t had recently. We are excited to welcome Riley to Morgantown and ready to watch her develop.” – Kellogg
