DETROIT (8-9-23) – The Detroit Mercy women's basketball team has added transfers Maddie Diabate and Cydney Rivera to finalize the 2023-24 season announced Head Coach Kate Achter. Diabate and Rivera join the Titans from Georgia Highlands and Pepperdine respectively.
 
"Maddie and Cyd give us an instant dose of maturity and experience," said Achter. "While each of their games are different, they both share a burning desire to win and compete."


 
Maddie Diabate (5-8) – F
Hometown: Chartres, France
Previous School: Georgia Highlands
High School: Long Island Lutheran
 
Highlights:
Georgia Highlands:
• Started in all 28 games averaging 10.1 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 57.1% from the field.
• Reached double figures in 13 games, posted over 20 points in three games
• Scored season-high 24 points against Middle Georgia Prep
• Grabbed double-digit rebounds in four games with a season-best 14 against Gulf Coast State
 
Gulf Coast State College:
• Saw action in 25 games shooting 35.7% from the field while averaging 2.1 rebounds per game
• Had six points at Pensacola State
• All-Academic Team selection
 
Coach Achter on Diabate: "Maddie is a strong guard that finishes very well at the rim. Her speed and size will really impact the way we are able to defend."


 
Cydney Rivera (5-8) – G
Hometown: Woodside, NY
Previous School: Pepperdine
High School: Lutheran High North
 
Highlights:
Pepperdine:
• Redshirted for the 2021-22 season
• 2020-21: Saw action in 19 games making four starts, averaged 4.9 points and 17.8 minutes per game
• Shot 83.3% (20-for-24) from the foul line while scoring in double-figures four times.
• Scored season-high 16 points vs. San Diego (2/15) and 14 points at LMU in her first career start (1/16).
• Scored 13 points with three 3-pointers vs. California Baptist (12/15).
 
Collin College (2019-20):
• Named All-Region and All-National Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) honorable mention
• Averaged 10 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game
 
Towson (2018-19):
• Saw action in 15 games as a freshman with a total of 43 minutes
• Scored 10 total points with six assists and five rebounds.
 
High School:
• Four-years letter winner for Head Coach John Stoncheck
• Scored 2,230 career points which is the most in Lutheran High North history
• Averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game as a senior
• All-State First-Team selection and was also named conference MVP and 4A Player of the Year during senior campaign.
• Played for the Puerto Rican U19 National Team at the 2017 U19 FIBA World Cup.
 
Coach Achter on Rivera: "Cyd is a crafty guard who is very good at reading ball screens and adds poise and depth to our guard position."