Highly recruited prospect Satuala makes first stop at UNM

When it comes to winning, Milika Satuala has high expectations and usually gets results.

A 5-foot-10 shooting guard at Utah’s Bountiful High School, Satuala has celebrated Class 5A girls basketball state championships after each of her first three seasons. Satuala has been a key contributor throughout the run, especially last season when she averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 1.7 assists per game for the Redhawks.

Such success inevitably draws attention and, as one might expect, Satuala is getting plenty this summer. The rising prep senior has received 16 Division I scholarship offers, including one from the University of New Mexico. Milika and her parents, Ului and Corin, were in Albuquerque for an official visit this week.

“It’s my first one, actually, and it’s been great,” Satuala said. “Lots of great food, we toured the facilities and met everyone. The players and coaches have good, open relationships. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Satuala and her parents attended a summer workout at UNM on Thursday and the Lobos undoubtedly hope she’ll bring her winning formula to the Pit after next season. Coach Mike Bradbury confirmed UNM is recruiting Satuala, but NCAA rules prohibit coaches from otherwise commenting on unsigned players.

Satuala was a first-team All-State selection as a junior and 247sports.com rates her as a four-star prospect, No. 69 on its list of the nation’s top 100 recruits for the class of 2026.

Athletic success is nothing new for the Satualas, who have made a lasting mark in Bountiful, just north of Salt Lake City. Milika’s older sister, Emrie, plays college volleyball at Utah and her older brother, Faletau, plays football at BYU.

Neither, however, enjoyed the kind of team success Milika has had at Bountiful High, where she’s excelled in volleyball and basketball — and won those three state titles.

“She likes to rub that in her siblings’ faces a little bit,” Corin said with a smile.

Unlike her older sister, Milika has long preferred basketball to volleyball. Her size and skill set allow her to play anywhere from two guard to small forward.

“I consider myself a physical player,” she said. “I like attacking the basket and shooting midrange. I haven’t taken too many 3s but I’m working on it. I also really like playing physical defense.”

Ului described Milika as a “very team-oriented” player, which has allowed her to succeed in different roles at Bountiful. Such figures to be the case again next season, when she’ll take over as the Redhawks’ go-to player on offense.

“She’s kind of quiet on the court, just lets her actions speak for her,” Ului said. “But this year will be her chance to be in the spotlight. It’s good pressure going into college.”

Milika said she’s looking forward to helping Bountiful gun for a fourth straight championship, but in the meantime she’s weighing college options. Her lengthy list of suitors includes Arizona State, Utah and Mountain West programs Boise State and Wyoming.

Milika’s parents said they are staying out of the decision process.

“It’s hers to make,” Corin said. “I’m excited for her and I just want her to fit in with her team and the coaches. She’s done a good job narrowing it down. We’ll support whatever school she chooses.”

FINISHING UP: The Lobos will hold the last of their summer workouts Monday and break until fall practices begin in late August.

Bradbury has not yet seen his full 13-player squad together as freshman Leonore Peixinho stayed home to compete for Portugal’s national program this summer. Junior Cacia Antonio also departed this week to visit family in Angola before fall practice begins. Leg injuries have limited freshman Laila Abdurraqib and sophomore Emma Najjuma to non-contact drills this summer but they are expected to be ready when practice resumes.

“We haven’t seen everything, but I like what I’ve seen,” Bradbury said. “When everyone’s here and healthy, this can be a really good team.”