1000% COMMITTED: 5 Emilee Skinner (no. 7 espnW 100) has committed to Duke…. Skinner rejected $602M NIL deal from Auburn tigers, lady vols, Ohio, lady gamecocks…..Read more…

Emilee Skinner, a highly acclaimed 5-star point guard and the No. 7 recruit in the 2025 espnW 100, has officially committed to Duke University’s women’s basketball program. This decision marks a significant milestone for both Skinner and the Blue Devils, as they continue to build a formidable team under head coach Kara Lawson.

Hailing from Millville, Utah, Skinner has been a standout player at Ridgeline High School. Over three seasons, she amassed 1,622 career points, leading her team to consecutive Class 4A state championships in 2023 and 2024. Her junior year statistics were particularly impressive, averaging 24.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 3.5 steals per game. These achievements earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Utah Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year and Deseret News Ms. Basketball.

Skinner’s commitment to Duke was influenced by her admiration for Coach Kara Lawson and the program’s culture. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I chose Duke because I like what coach Kara is building. The culture and the people are amazing there. Coach Kara has done everything I want to do, and I want her to be my mentor through my college career.”

Coach Lawson reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting Skinner’s qualities:

“Emilee is one of the top playmakers in the 2025 class. Early on, watching her play, I knew she was somebody I wanted to coach. Her approach is really businesslike and professional. She wants to be good. She’s competitive and is constantly working on her game.”

Skinner’s versatility on the court is evident. Standing at 6 feet, she combines a shifty and slashing style that allows her to penetrate defenses and create opportunities for her teammates. Her proficiency as a knockdown perimeter shooter and effective finisher at the rim aligns well with Duke’s playing style. Additionally, her defensive acumen and leadership qualities position her as a floor general who can significantly contribute to the team’s success.

Before committing to Duke, Skinner considered offers from several prestigious programs, including Notre Dame, TCU, UCLA, and Iowa. Her decision underscores the appeal of Duke’s program and Coach Lawson’s vision.

Skinner’s high school coach, Ainsli Jenks, expressed pride in her achievement:

“We are so excited for Emilee. Duke is lucky to have her, and we can’t wait to cheer her on. Go Blue Devils.”

As Skinner prepares for her senior year at Ridgeline High School, she has the opportunity to further cement her legacy by potentially surpassing 2,000 career points, a feat achieved by only two players in Utah girls’ basketball history.

Duke’s women’s basketball program has been on an upward trajectory under Coach Lawson’s leadership. The team made a notable run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament as a 7-seed, defeating No. 2 seed Ohio State before falling to No. 3 seed UConn. This marked the deepest tournament run in Lawson’s tenure, reflecting the program’s growing competitiveness.

The addition of Skinner to the 2025 class is expected to bolster the Blue Devils’ roster significantly. Her commitment aligns with Duke’s recent success in recruiting top talent, having secured highly ranked classes in previous years.

In conclusion, Emilee Skinner’s commitment to Duke represents a pivotal moment for both the player and the program. Her exceptional skills, work ethic, and leadership qualities are poised to make a substantial impact on the Blue Devils’ future success. As she transitions from high school to collegiate basketball, the anticipation surrounding her arrival in Durham continues to build, promising an exciting chapter ahead for Duke women’s basketball.