PULLMAN, Wash. (November 26, 2024) – Washington State Women's Basketball Head Coach Kamie Ethridge announced a pair of signees on Thursday. Malvina Haziri and Malia Ruud have each made their commitments official to join the Cougars next season.

After four straight postseason appearances, Ethridge continues to reign in impressive signing classes at Washington State, as the Cougars are bringing in a pair of highly touted prospects to the Palouse.

"Coug Nation, these two players will add to our team on and off the court," Ethridge said. "They both bleed Crimson and Gray and will make their marks on our program. Help me welcome Malia Ruud and Malvina Haziri to the Coug Family! Go Cougs!"

Malia Ruud | 6-2 | F | Pasco, Wash. (Chiawana HS)
Ruud comes to the Palouse from Pasco, Washington where she has played at Chiawana High School, and with the Samoan National Team. Last season as a junior at Chiawana, Ruud averaged 20.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while averaging 58 percent shooting from the floor and 42 percent from deep. The Chiawana HS record holder for career points was named back-to-back Mid-Columbia Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, Washington All-State, and was selected to the Spokesman Review All-Star Team, the SWX All-Star Team, and the Washington All-State Game.

While playing internationally for Samoa, Ruud played in the FIBA U18 Asian Championships in 2022 and was a FIBA First Team Selection averaging 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. She also played in the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship in 2023 where she was an All-Star 5 selection after leading the tournament with 19.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. In the tournament she led Samoa to its first ever historic win over New Zealand with 26 points and 14 rebounds, and also put up big numbers against powerhouse, Australia, with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

She also played AAU ball with the Northwest Blazers 16U National Champion team in 2022, and then helped the 17U team to the Elite Eight in 2023 and 2024.

Coach Ethridge on Malia Ruud: "I love Malia. I am so grateful for her belief in our program. She is a perfect fit for Washington State and our family. Malia brings a big strong presence in the low post with tremendous skill, footwork and agility. She also has a Stretch 4 game with the ability to shoot the three. Malia will give us a distinct post look that will add to our versatility of playing with different and unique skill sets. Beyond the basketball court, Malia is a tremendous student and a high energy athlete and person. Malia has never met anyone she doesn't like, and everyone is drawn to her. I can't wait to see what she will bring to our team and culture. I know she will make us better the day she steps on campus!"


Malvina Haziri | 5-9 | G | Vushtrria, Kosovo (KBF Prishtina)
Haziri comes to the Cougars from Kosovo where she has been playing as a member of KBF Prishtina in the Kosova's Women's Superleague, and with the Kosovo National Team. Last year with KBF Prishtina, she finished the season averaging 9.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, while helping the team win the league. This year, five games into their 2024-25 season, she is averaging 12.4. points, 3.2 assists and 0.6 steals per game.

Last season she was the captain of the U16 team that won the Kosovo Cup, while also winning the league, and league MVP with the U18 team. She also won an award called Hope of the Year in Kosovo, considered to have the greatest potential in the country.

Haziri also played with the FIBA U18 Kosovo National Team over the summer of 2024 where she averaged 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Coach Ethridge on Malvina Haziri: "I am so grateful to the entire Haziri family (Malvina, parents, brother and sister) to trust that our WSU program will meet the needs of a talented, young point guard from Kosovo. Malvina brings a maturity and poise that is far beyond her years. She is experienced at the senior national team level and has consistently competed with and against professional players throughout the course of her career. Her passion and enthusiasm for the game will make her a perfect fit for our team and program. Malvina will be the next great Kosovo point guard for Washington State."


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