Illinois women's basketball lands top transfer Divine Bourrage

Former LSU guard joins Illini roster ahead of 2026-27 season

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in vibrant blues, oranges, and greens, depicting the abstracted forms of basketball players in motion, conveying the excitement of a major transfer addition to the Illinois women's basketball team.A bold, cubist-inspired illustration captures the energy and movement of women's basketball, reflecting the dynamic arrival of a top transfer to the University of Illinois roster.Davenport Today

The University of Illinois women's basketball program has added a high-profile transfer to its roster, signing sophomore guard Divine Bourrage from LSU. Bourrage, a former five-star recruit, will join the Illini after appearing in 24 games as a freshman for the Tigers.

Why it matters

Bourrage's arrival is a major coup for the Illinois program, which is looking to build on back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. As a top-12 recruit in the Class of 2025, Bourrage brings elite-level talent and experience that should help the Illini compete for a Big Ten title.

The details

Bourrage, a 5-foot-11 guard from Davenport, Iowa, was ranked among the top 12 players in the Class of 2025 by every major recruiting service. She was the first player in Davenport North High School history to earn a Gatorade Player of the Year award and was a three-time IGCA Class 5A All-State selection. At LSU last season, Bourrage appeared in 24 games, averaging 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in nearly 10 minutes per game.

  • Bourrage signed a Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreement with the University of Illinois on April 10, 2026.
  • She will join the Illini roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Divine Bourrage

A 5-foot-11 sophomore guard who spent her freshman season at LSU, where she appeared in 24 games. Bourrage was a top-12 recruit in the Class of 2025 and the first player in Davenport North High School history to earn a Gatorade Player of the Year award.

Shauna Green

The head coach of the University of Illinois women's basketball team, who expressed enthusiasm about landing Bourrage, a player she had previously recruited out of high school.

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What they’re saying

“I am thrilled to have Divine join our family. Her length, ability to score at all three levels, and her ability to defend and play multiple positions will help us tremendously.”

— Shauna Green, Head Coach, University of Illinois Women's Basketball

“I chose Illinois because I want to grow as a player and have the chance to compete in front of my family. From a great relationship with the staff to mental health resources and an elite training facility, Illinois is the best place for me.”

— Divine Bourrage

What’s next

Bourrage will join the Illini roster and begin practicing with the team ahead of the 2026-27 season, as Illinois looks to build on its recent NCAA Tournament success.

The takeaway

The addition of Divine Bourrage, a highly touted transfer from LSU, represents a major recruiting coup for the University of Illinois women's basketball program. Bourrage's elite talent and experience should help the Illini continue their upward trajectory and compete for a Big Ten title in the coming seasons.