The Butler women's basketball program has announced the signing of two players as a part of National Signing Day. Tessa Bryan and Rowan Counsel will make Indianapolis their home over the next five seasons. 
 
Tessa Bryan
5-9, Guard
Waunakee, Wis. 
Waunakee High School 
 
Bryan is a 5-9 guard at Waunakee High School under Head Coach Marcus Richter. Bryan is entering her fourth year of varsity action and in the past three seasons has helped lead her squad to a combined 56-23 overall record. Her team went undefeated in Badger Large during the 2025-26 season, and Bryan earned First Team All-State honors. 
 
The Wisconsin native averaged 22 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game and three steals per game during her junior season en route to a conference championship and Badger League Player of the Year honors. As a sophomore, she averaged 18.3 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 4.8 assists per game and 3.3 steals per game en route to being a First Team All-State selection and the Badger League Player of the Year. 
 
Bryan is the all-time leading scorer in Waunakee high school history and holds the single season scoring record. She is a three-time Academic All-State selection and plans to major in Elementary Education at Butler. Bryan is the daughter of Gina and Mike Bryan and has three siblings, Ava, Wade and Myla. 
 
Why Bryan Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because I really loved the community and campus. The coaches and team felt like a family, and it felt like the right fit for me. 
 
Coach Marchesano on Signing Bryan
"Tessa brings a lot of traits to our program that we are excited about, but mostly we love how hard she plays and how competitive she is!  That's a trait we know will carry over.  As an athletic wing she does a little bit of everything on the offensive end, but she's an exciting downhill player who will thrive in the space we give our guards to work."
 
Rowan Counsell 
5-6, Guard
Milwaukee, Wis. 
Whitefish Bay
 
Counsell is a 5-6 guard at Whitefish Bay High School under Head Coach Kevin Lazovick. Counsell is entering her fourth year of varsity action. Last season, she helped lead her team to a 26-4 overall record and a state championship in 2026.
 
The Milwaukee native averaged 17.4 points per game as a freshman, 18.1 points as a sophomore and 21.0 points as a junior. Counsell is a three-time All-Conference first team selection and was the team MVP three straight years. The guard was also named a two-time All-State first team honoree and is a two-time team captain. 
 
Counsell has been an Academic All-State selection and won a merit award at Whitefish Bay. She plans to major in Sports Media at Butler. Counsell is the daughter of Michelle and Craig Counsell and has three siblings, Finley, Brady and Jack. Her father Craig is the manager of the Chicago Cubs. 
 
Why Counsell Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because it feels like a place where I can see myself growing both as a student and as a basketball player. When I visited, I really connected with the coaching staff and loved the atmosphere they created. I also really liked the campus and the strong sports culture surrounding the school. Everyone seemed passionate about Butler Athletics, and I could picture myself being part of that environment. Overall, Butler feels like a place where I would be excited to spend the next four years, compete and be part of something special."
 
Coach Marchesano on Signing Counsell
"We are pumped to add Rowan to our Butler family!  We've been following her high school and AAU career for a long time, and she definitely checks the winner box.  She's extremely quick both on and off the ball and has a great shot with a decent amount of range as well as an overall great feel for the flow of the game.  She's a great fit for our Bulldog system, and we are excited to watch her grow and flourish here at Butler."