In a twist of fate, Bella Owumi's recruiting journey ended with whom it all began.
Last Friday, the four-star wing from Lynn, Mass., committed to Florida, announcing her decision on Tuesday. The reigning New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year at Tilton coordinated a surprise visit with fellow top-50 national recruit Madi Mignery and some behind-the-scenes Gators staff. Owumi rushed down on a flight to Sarasota that afternoon, drove to Gainesville, met up with Mignery, and the two burst into head coach Tammi Reiss' meeting together with their dual commitments.
"They were in a conference room, and we just walked in and said we're home. And Tammy started crying, like, literally started bawling her eyes out," Owumi said. "That was the best thing ever."
Four years ago, Reiss gave Owumi her first Division 1 offer while head coach at Rhode Island following an elite camp the summer before Owumi entered eighth grade. They have individually flown up the ranks. Reiss led Rhode Island to the NCAA Tournament last year before taking the Florida job. Owumi ascended to No. 29 in ESPN's national 2027 rankings while becoming our top-ranked New England senior prospect.
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