OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball program is pleased to announce the signing of Lili Tanking for the 2026-27 season. Tanking is from Holton, Kan. and attends Holton High School.

Tanking has been a standout multi-sport athlete for the Wildcats, lettering in basketball, softball, volleyball, and track during her high school career. On the hardwood, she was a three-year varsity player and served as team captain, earning All-County honors in both 2025 and 2026. She also competed in the Highland All-Star Game and the NCKL vs. Big-East League All-Star Game.
In addition to basketball, Tanking was a two-year starter in softball, earning All-County honors, and played four years of volleyball, helping lead her team to a state runner-up finish. She also competed in track for two years.

Off the court, Tanking has been heavily involved in academics and extracurricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society and served as an FCA officer. She was also the FCCLA Officer of Records and a faculty-selected CAT Ambassador. Tanking was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2025.

Tanking has also excelled in the fine arts, participating in varsity choir throughout high school and serving as choir president. She earned multiple Division I ratings at regionals for solo and ensemble performances, qualifying for state-level competition. Additionally, she performed lead roles in the school musical for three years and had artwork selected for the Topeka Art Show.

"We are so excited to have Lili joining our program!" said OU women's basketball head coach Hunter Bondurant. "She is an elite shooter, which is a staple of our offense, and more importantly, a great person and teammate. It's always special to add local talent to our program, especially from a family like Lili's that has such a rich Ottawa Braves tradition."

Tanking is the daughter of Mike and Corrin Tanking and plans to major in psychology. She also comes from a strong Ottawa University family, with both of her parents, along with her aunt Erin Tanking (volleyball), aunt Keri (Tanking) Bausch (volleyball), and uncle Logan Bausch (baseball), all having attended OU. Her father Mike was a member of the men's basketball and track teams. Her mother Corrin was a member of the softball and track programs.