6'2" · Ohio-bred · All Glory to God
About
From Streetsboro, Ohio — Naomi Benson grew up surrounded by the game. Her brothers Noah and Nehemiah both play college ball, and watching them shaped a player who plays with both heart and IQ.
A 2025 Ohio Ms. Basketball finalist and McDonald's All-American Game nominee, Naomi set Streetsboro High School program records in points (1,670), rebounds (1,274), steals (282), and blocks (180). After a freshman season at Illinois, she transferred home to join the Cincinnati Bearcats — where Coach Trina Merriweather's vision aligns perfectly with her next chapter.
Off the court, she studies business, loves fashion, reads voraciously, and gives back through youth basketball camps. All Glory to God.
Journey
Transfers home to Ohio. Joins the UC Bearcats under Coach Katrina Merriweather. Big 12 chapter begins.
CurrentEnrolled at the University of Illinois. Appeared in 21 games as a freshman in the Big Ten.
Ohio Ms. Basketball finalist. McDonald's All-American nominee. 4-star recruit, top-100 espnW HoopGurlz. Signs with Illinois.
19.1 PPG · 11.4 RPG · 56.8% FG. Metro Conference Player of the Year. Led Streetsboro to first sectional championship in 36 years.
Four-year starter. Set program records in points (1,670), rebounds (1,274), steals (282), and blocks (180). All-Ohio all four seasons.
Press & Coverage
“Benson was a big recruiting get for Illinois… a good athlete, young, and should land in a high-major program.”
Read on 247Sports →“Naomi is a great addition to our squad. Her skill set and personality fit with our team… She loves to rebound and has the ability to finish well around the rim.” — Coach Merriweather
Read on GoBearcats.com →The four-star forward ranked No. 98 in ESPN HoopGurlz joins a top-10 Illinois recruiting class, bringing elite post presence and a double-double pedigree from Streetsboro HS.
Read on Daily Illini →Benson averaged a career double-double across four HS seasons, helped Streetsboro win its first district title in program history, and emerged as one of Ohio’s top post prospects.
Read Coverage →Naomi Benson named among the top high school players in the country as a McDonald’s All-American Game nominee alongside teammates Destiny Jackson and Manuella Alves.
Read on FightingIllini.com →A deep-dive preview on Benson ahead of her freshman season: “The 6-foot-2 wing from Streetsboro, Ohio, may be one of the most underrated preps in the country.”
Read on IlliniGuys.com →Get In Touch
For NIL inquiries, appearance requests, media interviews, or general questions — reach out below. Responses within 48 hours.
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