CHICAGO – The UIC women's basketball team will be adding another member to the Flames Family ahead of the 2026–27 season, as head coach Ashleen Bracey announced Monday afternoon that Salma Khedr will join the program with two years of athletic eligibility remaining following her two seasons at Western Kentucky (2024–26).

"We are so excited to welcome Salma to our Flames Family," Bracey said. "She is a versatile guard that can score on multiple levels and defend all positions.  She brings competitive edge, two years of experience, and leadership qualities that will add to our returning depth. Salma has an extremely high ceiling, a pro mentality and will work to continue to elevate UIC women's basketball.  She is a high character young lady that pursues excellence in all areas.  She will be an excellent addition to our team and a long-time ambassador for our university."

Khedr becomes the fifth student athlete to join the Flames through the transfer portal this offseason, joining Lyla Kahrimanovic (April 9), Evyn Carrier (April 18),  Miyah Brown (April 23) and Nevaeh Foster (April 25).

In her two seasons with the Hilltoppers, Khedr appeared in more than 53 games and made 16 starts. She averaged 6.8 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the field, adding 124 rebounds (2.3 RPG) and 55 total assists in an average of 16 minutes per contest.

Khedr's best season came in 2025-26, where she saw tremendous improvement, averaging 10.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. She also dished out 43 assists and collected 24 blocks during her sophomore campaign. Khedr hit double figures across 15 games, including two games with 20+ points. For her efforts, Khedr was named as a 2025-26 All Conference USA (CUSA) Honorable Mention.

The guard's best performance of the season came against the Missouri Valley Conference's Indiana State on Nov. 14, when she scored a collegiate-high 24 points to lead all scorers. She shot 61.5 percent from the field and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line, while adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

Prior to her time at Western Kentucky, Khedr was exposed to the international basketball stage at an early age. The Giza, Egypt native competed in multiple FIBA African Cups across various age levels. In 2022, she was also invited to the NBA Academy Africa Women's Elite Camp, she showcased her skills at the Red Bull 3x3 World Cup. She also earned gold medals in both the U16 and U18 championships that same year.

Khedr attended Spire Academy and Post Grad Academy in Geneva, Ohio, before moving on to the collegiate level. Playing on the varsity team in 2023–24, she averaged a double-double with 16.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, while also contributing 4.8 assists.

UIC women's basketball continues to make strides at the NCAA Division I level under coach Bracey. After three consecutive postseason appearances from 2022-25, the Flames aim to return in 2026-27, as they enter their fifth season in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Forward Julia Coleman returns to UIC next season after ranking eighth in the MVC in scoring (16.1 PPG) and rebounding (7.4 RPG) in 2025-26. She earned All-MVC third-team, all-defensive team and all-newcomer team honors for her efforts.

The Flames will also rely on returning veteran leaders Tutu Clayton and Magdalena Winter. Clayton started every game last season, while Winter showed significant growth in her first full season on the court, earning MVC Freshman of the Week honors early in nonconference play.

Details on season ticket packages for the 2026-27 Flames' women's basketball campaign will be available in the coming weeks. Further details will be forthcoming via the UIC Athletics Ticket Office, which can be reached by phone (312.413.8421) or e-mail (athleticsticketing@uic.edu).

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_wbb and @uicflames).

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