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Women's Basketball

Norse Women’s Basketball adds Latvian forward Rieksta

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Norse women's basketball announced its second signee of the 2026 offseason on Thursday, as Northern Kentucky added forward Dženifera Rieksta. The Latvian center arrived to the Norse from Vincennes University.  

"Dženifera brings a strong, post presence, with the ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor," said Norse head coach Jeff Hans. "Her work ethic and international experience make her a great fit for what we're building."

A native of Saldus, Latvia, Dženifera Rieksta [JENN-uh-fare-uh ree-ECK-stuh] signed with the Norse after spending her sophomore campaign at Vincennes (NJCAA DI), putting up 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game in 2025-26. Rieksta earned All-Region 24 honors and shot 53.4% from the field and 71.4% from the free throw line. She ranked second on her team in points and third in rebounds. Rieksta recorded a season-high 22 points in a win over Jackson College as she shot 9-13 from the floor. She notched her first double-double on December 15, going for 16 points and ten rebounds in a win over Danville Area Community College. Rieksta helped lead the Trailblazers to a 20-10 overall record and a 10-3 conference record, but the squad fell in the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament Semifinals.

Before arriving at Vincennes, Rieksta competed at Williston State College in the 2024-25 season, appearing in 30 games in her freshman season and averaging 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game as a freshman. Džena has also competed for multiple age-level Latvian National Teams, competing for the U15, U16, U18, and U21 3x3 squads. 

MORE ABOUT DZENA: Her favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls…Džena's favorite musician is Tyler, The Creator…her favorite movie is Scream (1996)...A bucket list travel destination of Džena's is Morocco…Enjoys going on walks, trying new coffee shops, baking, spending time with friends…Her favorite food is sushi…Džena's favorite athlete to watch is Kitja Laksa…Her favorite song is "Balkons" by Wiesulis… her first job was as a table official in kids' basketball tournaments.

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