CHICAGO – Recently graduated UIC women's basketball forward Makiyah Williams has signed her first professional contract (insert day) with Itihad Rihadi de Tanger, a professional women's basketball team based in Tangier, Morocco.

Itihad Rihadi de Tanger competes in Morocco's Dex-D League and enters its fourth season of play. The team captured the Moroccan League Regular Season Championship and finished as a league finalist this past season.

"We are thrilled that Makiyah has signed a deal to continue her playing career in Morrocco," head coach Ashleen Bracey said. "Makiyah is an exceptional athlete that can have a long pro career if she chooses.  Makiyah was a major contributor to our women's basketball success over the past two seasons, and her best basketball is ahead of her.  We wish her luck as she embarks on this new journey, and we will be cheering her own from Chicago."

In two seasons with the Flames, Williams appeared in 62 games, including 25 starts. She averaged 11.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, while also totaling 55 assists, 22 blocks, and 36 steals.

Williams reached double figures in 28 games, highlighted by a career-high 28-point outing in just her fourth game as a Flame — in an 87–74 win over SEMO on Nov. 17, 2023. She went on to earn 2024 Missouri Valley Conference All-Conference Third Team and All-Newcomer Team honors.

Williams is the fourth former player under Bracey to sign a professional contract, joining Dais' Ja Trotter, Dany Middleton and Ky Dempsey-Toney.

For more information on UIC women's basketball, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WBB and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wbband @uicflames).
 
#ChicagosCollegeTeam