For the Culture, For the Legacy: Honoring USC WBB’s Senior Stars on Their Final Ride
As the USC Trojans women’s basketball team approaches Senior Day on February 23, 2025, the program will honor five exceptional seniors: Clarice Akunwafo, Dominique Darius, Kiki Iriafen, Rayah Marshall, and Talia von Oelhoffen. Each has made significant contributions both on and off the court, leaving a lasting legacy.
Clarice Akunwafo: The Scholar-Athlete
Standing at 6-foot-6, Clarice Akunwafo has been a formidable presence in the paint throughout her four-year tenure at USC. Beyond her defensive prowess, Akunwafo has balanced the rigorous demands of collegiate basketball with a challenging pre-medical academic track. Her commitment to both her sport and her studies exemplifies the true spirit of a student-athlete. This season, she has been instrumental in anchoring USC’s defense, contributing to the team’s impressive average of 7.2 blocks per game, the highest in over four decades. A local talent from Inglewood, California, Akunwafo’s decision to stay close to home has strengthened the bond between USC and the Los Angeles community. When head coach Lindsay Gottlieb took the helm in 2021, she prioritized retaining top local talents like Akunwafo, ensuring that the city’s best continued to shine at USC.
Career Statistics:
-Freshman Season (2021-22): Appeared in all 28 games, starting five. Averaged 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. Recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against Virginia. Achieved a career-high 10 points in two games.
-Sophomore Season (2022-23): Participated in all 31 games, with one start. Averaged 1.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Set a career-high with 12 rebounds against Stanford. Second on the team with 27 blocks.
-Junior Season (2023-24): Made three starts in 33 appearances. Averaged 2.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. Notably recorded 11 blocks across USC’s NCAA First and Second Round victories, including a career-high six blocks against Kansas.
-Senior Season (2024-25): As of February 2025, Akunwafo has played in 22 games, averaging 8.7 minutes per game. She has contributed 1.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 63.2%.
Academic and Personal Achievements:
-Academic Excellence: Akunwafo is a senior Health Science major on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a surgeon. She has been recognized on the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll for her dedication to academics.
-High School Accolades: Before joining USC, Akunwafo was a 2021 McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand Classic Team selection. She was ranked as the No. 2 post player in the nation by ESPN and led Rolling Hills Prep to three regional titles and a state championship in 2018.
Dominique Darius: The Inspirational Leader
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.
Career Statistics:
UCLA Bruins (2020-2022):
-Freshman Season (2020-21): Darius enrolled early at UCLA, joining the team in January 2021. She appeared in 16 games, making her debut on January 3 against Oregon. She recorded a season-high nine points in a victory over USC on February 26.
-Sophomore Season (2021-22): Participated in 27 games, starting seven. Averaged 5.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 41.3%. Notable performances include a career-high 16 points against Oregon on February 16 and a near double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds against Arizona on January 26.
University of Southern California (2022-Present):
-Junior Season (2022-23): Transferred to USC in January 2023 but did not compete during the season due to transfer regulations.
-Additional Junior Season (2023-24): Appeared in 19 games, averaging 2.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. Scored nine points in her USC debut against Le Moyne on November 13 and achieved a season-high 10 points versus Cal Poly on November 28.
Kiki Iriafen: The Homecoming Star
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.
Career Statistics:
Stanford University (2021-2024):
-Freshman Season (2021-22): Appeared in 33 games off the bench, averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. She was recognized on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team by the media.Â
-Sophomore Season (2022-23): Played in 35 games, starting 27, and averaged 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
-Junior Season (2023-24): Started all 36 games, delivering a breakout performance with averages of 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Her outstanding play earned her the Katrina McClain Award as the nations top power forward, WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention, and the title of Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year.
University of Southern California (2024-Present):
-Graduate Season (2024-25): Transferred to USC for her final year of eligibility. In her first 26 games with the Trojans, Iriafen has maintained impressive averages of 18.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.6% from the field and 82.5% from the free-throw line.
Career Highlights:
-Total Collegiate Points: Surpassed 1,500 career points, with 1,071 points scored during her tenure at Stanford.
-Notable Performances:
-Career High Points: Scored 41 points against Iowa State on March 24, 2024.
-Career High Rebounds: Recorded 20 rebounds versus Arizona State on February 25, 2024
-Accolades:
-Katrina McClain Award (2024)
-WBCA All-America Honorable Mention (2024)
-Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention (2024)
-Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year (2024)
-All-Pac-12 Team (2024)
-Pac-12 All-Freshman Team-Media (2022)
-Three-time Pac-12 Champion (2022-2024)
-Pac-12 Tournament Champion (2022)
Rayah Marshall: The Lynwood Luminary
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.
Career Statistics:
-Points Per Game (PPG): Marshall has maintained a career average of 10.6 PPG, showcasing her offensive consistency.
-Rebounds Per Game (RPG): With an average of 9.7 RPG, she has been a dominant force on the boards.
-Assists Per Game (APG): Marshall has contributed 1.5 APG, facilitating team play.
-Field Goal Percentage (FG%): She has achieved a 42.1% shooting accuracy from the field.
-Free Throw Percentage (FT%): Marshall has a 67.9% success rate from the free-throw line.
Notable Achievements:
-Defensive Standout: Marshall’s defensive impact is highlighted by her career total of 215 blocks, ranking her third all-time in USC history.
-Double-Double Leader: She has recorded 35 career double-doubles, underscoring her versatility and consistency on both ends of the court.
Conference Honors:
-2022-23 Season: Named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Defensive Team, recognizing her as one of the premier players in the conference.
-2023-24 Season: Received Honorable Mentions for both the All-Pac-12 and All-Defensive teams, reflecting her continued excellence.
-National Recognition: Marshall was included on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, highlighting her as one of the national top defenders.
-International Experience: Represented the USA at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, contributing to the team silver medal finish with averages of 2.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Talia von Oelhoffen: The Backcourt Dynamo
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.
Career Statistics:
Oregon State University (2020-2024):
-Freshman Season (2020-21): Joined the Beavers mid-season, appearing in 13 games. Averaged 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Recognized with Pac-12 All-Freshman Honorable Mention honors.
-Sophomore Season (2021-22): Started all 35 games, leading the team with 13.7 points per game. Contributed 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Achieved a career-high 31 points against USC on January 28, 2022. Earned All-Pac-12 Team honors.
- Junior Season (2022-23): Despite battling injuries, played in 26 games with 24 starts. Averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Notably scored a career-high 41 points against Nevada on December 17, 2022, marking the seventh-highest single-game point total in Oregon State history. Received All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention recognition.
-Senior Season (2023-24): Started all 35 games, averaging 11.2 points and 5.0 assists per game. Led the team to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA tournament. Named to the All-Pac-12 Team for the second time.Â
University of Southern California (2024-Present):
-Graduate Season (2024-25): Transferred to USC for her final year of eligibility. In her first 10 games with the Trojans, von Oelhoffen has averaged 6.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game, while maintaining an 83.3% free-throw percentage.
Career Highlights:
-Scoring Prowess: Accumulated over 700 points during her collegiate career, with a notable single-game high of 41 points.
-Playmaking Ability: Consistently contributed to her teams’ offenses, averaging over 3 assists per game throughout her career.
-Free-Throw Excellence: Holds a career free-throw percentage of 83.3%, reflecting her reliability at the line.
As these five seniors prepare to take the court at Galen Center one final time, their collective contributions have propelled USC to one of its most successful seasons in recent history. Their dedication, resilience, and passion have not only elevated the program but have also set a standard for future Trojans. Senior Day on February 23 will be a celebration of their remarkable journeys and the indelible legacies they leave behind.