GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Head Coach, Mallory Bernhard, and the University of North Dakota women’s basketball program is excited to announce the signing of three new student-athletes. The signees will join the Fighting Hawks for the 2025-26 season. The new additions include Lauren Hillesheim and Kendra Harvey from Minnesota and Lauren Reardon from North Dakota.

Names are listed in alphabetical order:

Kendra Harvey | 5-10 | G | Byron, Minn. | Byron High School
Harvey joins the Hawks with an impressive high school career. Throughout her sophomore and junior seasons, Harvey found herself at the forefront of the offense as she averaged 18 points per game with a single game high of 36 points. Heading into her senior season, she has scored 1,700 career points. On the defensive side of the ball, Harvey holds the school record for most steals in a season. She has earned three consecutive Hiawatha Valley All-Conference honors and was named to the All-Section First Team. Harvey is also a two-time All-State Honorable Mention selection.

What They Are Saying About Kendra:
“Kendra is one of those players that has a motor that never stops! She is someone that thrives in the fast-paced style we are playing. Her ability to get downhill and make decisions as well as stretch the floor with her ability to shoot the 3 make a great combination. She is also someone that embraces the challenge of defending the other team’s best player. We are very proud to welcome Kendra and her family as Fighting Hawks.” – Head Coach Mallory Bernhard

Lauren Hillesheim | 5-10 | G | Golden Valley, Minn. | Hopkins High School
Lauren Hillesheim will join the Hawks after an outstanding career at Hopkins High School.  As a junior, Hillesheim averaged 12 points and seven rebounds, earning her a place on the Lakes Conference All-Conference Team.  Hillesheim has appeared in three state championship contests, clinching the title in 2022, followed with back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024. Hillesheim was named to the 2024 MSHSL All-Tournament Team and earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition in 2023-2024. In addition to Hillesheim’s impressive athletic career, she has excelled off the floor, as she was named a scholar-athlete. 

What They Are Saying About Lauren:
“We are very excited Lauren chose to be a Hawk. She is someone that understands what it takes to compete on a day-to-day basis having attended one of the best high schools for girls’ basketball in the region. The environment she has been able to play and practice in for the last several years and her last year of AAU have pushed her and allowed her to grow her game immensely. She brings a toughness to the floor that can’t be overlooked, is someone that never stops working and can fill up a stat sheet in a lot of ways. It’s exciting to add Lauren and bring her family (dad played football at UND) back to North Dakota.” – Head Coach Mallory Bernhard

Lauren Reardon | 5-8 | G | Grand Forks, N.D. | Grand Forks Central High School
Grand Forks native, Lauren Reardon signs with the Hawks as the all-time leading scorer at Grand Forks Central High School, with a current career total of 1,468 points and counting. Reardon surpassed the 1,000-point milestone and school record during her junior campaign. She made history with a record-setting performance, scoring 58 points during a single playoff game. This performance earned her the large class single game record. Reardon is a two time All-Conference and second Team All-State honoree. In addition to her state recognitions, she has been recognized locally in Grand Forks as she has been named to the All-City team four consecutive years.

What They Are Saying About Lauren:
“Lauren is someone we had the chance to watch grow for years right here in Grand Forks. She is the definition of determination. On the court she has shown her ability to score in many ways, is willing to scrap for rebounds and when asked will do whatever it takes to help her team. Off the court, has shown how good of a leader she is, demonstrates the work ethic required at the next level and comes from a great family that has instilled in her the value of hard work. We are very happy to welcome Lauren and her family.” – Head Coach Mallory Bernhard