Taya Ellis, a 6-1 forward from Toronto, Canada, who averaged 6.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a junior at Bowling Green last season, has signed with Butler. Ellis spent three seasons with the Falcons and will have one year of eligibility remaining. 
 
Ellis played in 29 of Bowling Green's 31 games and made 25 starts in 2025-26. She averaged 19.8 minutes per game and scored in double figures eight times while pulling down double digit rebounds four times. Ellis posted four double-doubles in 2025-26. In the team's outing against Ohio (2/25/26), she pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds while scoring 16 points in the contest. 
 
"Taya's athleticism and presence on the defensive end and boards are exactly what we need," said head coach Maria Marchesano. "We are excited to see her develop in our systems on both ends of the floor and can't wait for Bulldog nation to see the passion and physicality she plays with."
 
Ellis ranked 10th in the MAC last season in rebounds per game (6.7) and was fourth in the conference in blocks per game, averaging 1.1 per contest. The forward is tied for eighth all-time in Bowling Green history with 74 career blocks. 
 
As a sophomore, Ellis played in 24 games, making five starts and averaged 3.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. As a freshman, the forward played in 29 games and averaged 1.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. 
 
Prior to Bowling Green, Ellis attended Royal Crown Academy where she played for three seasons. She played for Kia Nurse Elite AAU and averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game in 2022-23.