Tennessee State University's women's basketball program is set to welcome a seven‑player class for the 2026‑27 season, a mix that blends Division I experience, junior‑college production, international flair and highly touted high school prospects.
Among the newcomers is Addison Melton, a Murfreesboro native who starred at Central Magnet School before a standout stint at Lipscomb and a strong high school career that placed her among the top recruits in the state.
Nandinkhusel Nyamjav brings a global perspective, having competed in Mongolia before joining Florida Tech, where a mid‑season injury cut short her campaign, but her résumé still reflects a rare blend of overseas experience and collegiate readiness.
Raegan Starks, a top junior‑college talent from Antioch, averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game at Walters State Community College, underscoring her ability to dominate the paint.
The freshmen cohort includes LaKiara Alexander, a frontcourt prospect from Camden, South Carolina, Adrienne Hunt, a long‑range athlete from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Danica Lazic, a Serbian guard who honed her game at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, and Sherry Zheng, a Taiwanese playmaker known for her vision and defensive tenacity.
Coach Candice Dupree's Vision
Head coach Candice Dupree expressed enthusiasm for the class, emphasizing that the newcomers not only bring talent but also a competitive spirit and cultural fit that align with the program's ambitions in the Ohio Valley Conference.