11/12/2026
IRVINE, Calif. - UC Irvine women’s basketball head coach Tamara Inoue has announced the signing of Tiera “Tee” McCarthy and Ella Mims for 2027-28.
McCarthy is entering her senior season at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California. She was part of the Monarchs’ squad that won the last three CIF NorCal, Central Coast Section, and West Catholic Athletic League titles. Last year, they also advanced to the CIF Open Division State Championship Final, finishing the year ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 3 in the nation by MaxPreps. The 5-foot-7 point guard was a first-team all-league and San Jose Mercury News All-Bay Area selection.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tee to our program,” Inoue said. “She comes from one of the most consistent winning programs in California, and we know she understands what it takes to compete and win at a high level. Tee is a fast, downhill point guard who puts constant pressure on teams with her speed. I’m confident she will come in game-ready and make an immediate impact.”
Mims is a senior at Saint Joseph High School in Lakewood, California. In 2025-26, the 6-foot-4 post player helped the Jesters capture the Del Rey League title with a perfect 8-0 record. They earned a spot in the CIF-Southern Section Open Division Playoffs and finished the season at 21-8 overall. Mims was a Press-Telegram Girls’ Basketball Dream Team selection, and was named a Prep Girls Hoops Stock Riser in August. Mims spent her freshman and sophomore years at Gahr High School where she made the 2024-25 Division 3A All-CIF Team.
“We are so excited to welcome Ella to our Anteater family,” Inoue said. “She is one of Southern California’s standout players and an incredibly talented post player. What makes Ella special is her versatility. She is an elite shot blocker who will give us instant rim protection, but she also has the ability to run the floor and switch on to guards. Ella has tremendous upside and I believe she can make an immediate impact for our program.”
