GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa women's basketball coach Taylor Wagner announced the signing Sophie Nielsen, a 5-9 guard from Salt Lake City, during the beginning of the signing period. Nielsen will be eligible to play for the Mavericks during the 2026-27 season.
 
Nielsen, a senior at Brighton High School, is a two-time All-State selection earning second team in back-to-back seasons and has over 1,000 points in her high school career. She was named the Region 6 Defensive Player of the Year and is a three-time All-Region First Team selection.
 
"I love what Sophie will bring to our team," coach Wagner said. "She is a physical guard that is a great defender. She is aggressive on both sides of the ball. Sophie is a great person and fits with exactly what we like to have on our team."
 
Sophie is also one of the top women's lacrosse players in Utah, earning USA Lacrosse All-American honors and has over 100 goals in her high school career. She was also named to the USA Lacrosse All-Academic team.
 
Nielsen has a 4.0 GPA and is a part of the National Honor Society.