North Carolina A&T’s women’s basketball program is poised to rebound after a sub‑.500 campaign, aiming to retake the top spot in the Coastal Athletic Association.
The university unveiled a nine‑member recruiting class that blends six Division I transfers with three high‑school standouts, each targeted for ball security, shooting, scoring, depth and versatility across every position.
A Mix of Experience and Fresh Talent
Among the newcomers, Jada Bates arrives from the University of Arkansas, where she appeared in 56 games and knocked down 18 three‑pointers, while Icyss Storm, a former UNC Wilmington standout, averaged 6.1 points and 4.7 rebounds with a 44 percent field‑goal rate as a freshman.
Drew Alexander, who transferred from Temple, brings a proven three‑point shooting record, having made 37 threes in 31 games last season, and Maraja Pass, formerly of Elon, ranks fourth nationally in assist‑to‑turnover ratio and seventh in assists per game.
Rania Curry, a Mercer alum, contributed 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals across 30 appearances, while Yves Cox, previously at Arkansas State, adds interior presence with 283 rebounds and 63 blocks in 59 career games.
The high‑school recruits bring additional firepower: Brook Evans averaged 14.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in her prep career, Honor Hall, a four‑time All‑Ohio selection, and Whitley Davis, who scored over 1,000 points at Winton Woods High School and earned a McDonald’s All‑American nomination.
Coach Tarrell Robinson, now in his second season, emphasized that the new class is designed to fill the gaps exposed last year and to give the team the depth needed for a full 30‑game schedule.
Returning players such as Paris Locke, Darrionna Howard, Jamyia Lindsey, Crystal Hardy, Anaya Karriem, C'coriea Foy, Aprill McRae, Jazmin Harris and Chaniya Clark will look to build on their own development and provide leadership.
The Aggies’ schedule includes contests in Greensboro, Savannah and Augusta, as well as road trips to Texas and Missouri, offering a rigorous test for the revamped roster.
With the support of the university’s athletic department and the strategic partnership with the Coastal Athletic Association, the program hopes the blend of transfer experience and fresh talent will translate into a competitive edge on the court.