Penn State women's basketball signs Switzerland guard ahead of 2025-26 season

Penn State women's basketball signed guard Viktoria Ranisavljevic from Massagno, Switzerland on July 22, and the latest addition to the 2025-26 roster will bring high-level talent to Happy Valley. She announced her commitment on July 16 and head coach Carolyn Kieger was quick to secure the international star.

Ranisavljevic played for the Swiss national team since she was 13 years old, starting on the 16U team as one of the youngest players. She averaged 23.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game with the U20 Division B team in 2024 and led scoring in the tournament.

The guard joined the senior national team at the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers and helped pave the way to the the team's first European Championship since 1956. She averaged 6.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in the qualifier contests. As one of the youngest players on the senior team, Ranisavljevic led in scoring in the championship game with 14 points.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vicki to our Lady Lion family,” Kieger said in Ranisavljevic's signing announcement. “Her international experience, high basketball IQ, and relentless work ethic will bring great value to our program. She plays with a fearless edge, sees the floor exceptionally well, and competes with a maturity beyond her years. We’re excited for what she’ll add to our team culture and our style of play.”

According to The Daily Collegian's film review of the incoming freshman, Ranisavljevic will bring three major skills to the Nittany Lions: drive to the basket, passing vision, and defensive knowledge.

Scoring isn't a main concern for the Nittany Lions, and Ranisavljevic brings an element that they're missing to the court. Her defensive vision to intercept passes and block shots makes her a timely slashing guard as well. She'll be an asset with meaningful assists and a strong scoring drives despite being five-feet-seven-inches.

Ranisavljevic will be a top guard for Penn State with Shayla Smith, Kiyomi McMiller, and Moriah Murray.

Smith averaged double-digit scoring in all four high school seasons with a 27.5 average as a senior. McMiller transferred from Rutgers where she averaged 18.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as a freshman. She had a total of 393 points, 98 rebounds, and 63 assists. Murray is entering her senior season with the Nittany Lions. As a junior, she had 281 points, 73 assists, 66 rebounds, and 23 steals. Especially with Murray entering her final season at Penn State, having another strong, defensive guard will be important for Kieger moving past the 2025-26 season.