On Sunday, USC women’s basketball celebrated senior day. Both before and after their game against Illinois, the Trojans recognized the five seniors playing their final regular season games at Galen Center: Dominique Davis, Clarice Akunwafo, Talia von Oelhoffen, Kiki Iriafen, and Rayah Marshall.
In a recent post on her Substack, USC women’s basketball analyst Cece Clay paid tribute to the Trojans’ seniors. Clay provided numerous details about what each player contributed during their time at USC, how they helped the program, and what their Cardinal and Gold legacy will be.
Here is what Clay had to say about the Women of Troy’s seniors. We created a separate stand-alone post about Clarice Akunwafo, so we will focus on Cece’s other player tributes here:
Dominique Darius
“Dominique Darius, a 5-foot-10 guard, has been a beacon of leadership and resilience for the Trojans. Despite limited playing time due to injuries, Darius’s impact has been profound off the court. Her unwavering commitment to the team and her role as a mentor to younger players have been invaluable. Darius’s journey began with a mid-year transfer to USC in January 2023, and while her on-court appearances have been limited, her influence resonates throughout the program. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and cohesive team environment exemplifies the essence of leadership beyond the stat sheet. Darius’s positive attitude and perseverance have set a standard for excellence and resilience within the USC women’s basketball community.”
Kiki Iriafen
“Returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Kiki Iriafen transferred to USC after a standout junior season at Stanford. Averaging 19.4 points and 11 rebounds per game in her final season with the Cardinal, Iriafen sought to continue her growth closer to family and friends. This season, she has maintained her impressive performance, contributing significantly to USC’s success. Beyond the court, Iriafen is pursuing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation at USC’s Marshall School of Business, exemplifying her commitment to excellence both athletically and academically. Her return has not only bolstered the team’s frontcourt but has also deepened the program’s connection to the local community.”
Rayah Marshall
“Hailing from Lynwood, California, Rayah Marshall has been a cornerstone of USC’s lineup. Known for her versatility, Marshall’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been unmatched. Her commitment to community service, highlighted by her involvement in cancer awareness initiatives, exemplifies her dedication to making a difference beyond basketball. Marshall’s legacy at USC is defined not only by her on-court achievements but also by her profound impact on the community. When head coach Lindsay Gottlieb assumed leadership in 2021, she recognized the importance of retaining local talents like Marshall. Gottlieb’s efforts to re-recruit Marshall ensured that this hometown hero would continue to shine in Los Angeles, strengthening the program’s ties to the local community.”
Talia von Oelhoffen
“Graduate transfer Talia von Oelhoffen has brought depth and versatility to USC’s backcourt. Her experience and basketball IQ have been invaluable in orchestrating the Trojans’ offense and providing stability in crucial moments. Von Oelhoffen’s ability to score and facilitate has complemented the team’s dynamic playmakers, enhancing USC’s offensive efficiency. Her leadership on and off the court has been a guiding force for the team’s younger guards, fostering a culture of growth and resilience.”
Saturday vs UCLA
USC faces UCLA Saturday night at 6 p.m. local time in Los Angeles. The game is on the UCLA campus at Pauley Pavilion and will be shown on Fox.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC basketball analyst offers appraisal of Trojans’ senior class
