FARMVILLE, Va. – Following head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery and the Longwood women's basketball team's first win of the 2022-23 season, the team has announced the addition of 2023 signee Otaifo Esenabhalu.

A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Esenabhalu has signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) and will join the Longwood women's basketball team next fall. Her signing is the second freshman signing of head coach Erika Lang-Montgomery's tenure at Longwood (Chardonnay Hartley, 2022).

"We are thrilled to have Otaifo join our Longwood family," said Lang-Montgomery. "She is a competitor who will be an inside presence and add depth to our post play."

"Otaifo is a strong rebounder and finishes well inside. She truly embodies what it means to be a Lancer and our core values of 'The Right STUPH'. She comes from a great family and will be a great addition to Lancer Nation!"

Esenabhalu comes to Longwood from Lowndes High School in Valdosta, where she plays volleyball in addition to lettering in basketball. She averaged a double-double with ten points, ten rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game during her junior season, and was an All-State selection for her efforts in 2021-22. Esenabhalu was named ITG Next Athlete of the Month in March of 2022 and is also is a member of the Essence Girls Basketball travel basketball program.

"What really drew me to Longwood was the culture," said Esenabhalu on her decision to pick Longwood. "The support for women's basketball at Longwood is unmatched. The constant encouragement from the community is a trait that became a large factor in my decision."

"Choosing to continue my basketball career at Longwood means living far from home, but it's quickly become a home away from home for me. Seeing the persistent aid coming from the coaching staff lets me know I can flourish here; athletically & academically. Playing at the Division l level has always been a dream of mine and having Longwood grant me this opportunity is a blessing within itself."

Esenabhalu will join the Lancers for the 2023-24 season and will play her games at the Joan Perry Brock Center, which is set to open in the Spring of 2023. Stay up to date with Longwood women's basketball by heading to www.longwoodlancers.com or by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

#HorsePower