Charlotte, N.C. - Johnson & Wales Charlotte head women's basketball coach Alexius Hampton is excited to announce the signing of Kaylee Ellis from Mooresville, N.C. as the first member of the Wildcats' 2025 recruiting class.

Ellis was a four year member of the girls' basketball team at Lake Norman High School, helping lead the Wildcats to an incredible 111-7 record during that time. Lake Norman won the NCHSAA 4A State Championship in 2025. They also advanced to the state semi-finals on two other occasions during Ellis's career. She averaged 6.3 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 4.9 assists per game as a senior. 

She is the daughter of Brandee and Chris Ellis and plans to major in Business Administration at Johnson & Wales. Ellis chose to become a Wildcat because of the sense of belonging she felt while visiting campus. "I chose JWU because when I visited, it just felt like home. I felt comfortable, like I belonged there, and I could really see myself being happy there." She is a member of the Beta Club at LNHS.

Coach Hampton feels Ellis's physical attributes, winning pedigree, and intangibles make her a great addition to the team. "We're thrilled to add Kaylee to our program. She brings a great combination of fire, speed, and leadership to the floor, with the ability to change the pace of a game. Coming from a winning program, she understands the expectations and commitment that come with competing and contributing to a team's success, and we're excited to have her as part of our program."