New Georgia Southern women’s basketball head coach, Hana Haden completed her very first roster for the Eagles.
The former Georgia SouthWestern head coach was introduced to GS in April after the athletic department and former head coach, Anita Howard parted ways at the end of the 2023-24 basketball season. Coach Howard now holds the position of the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach / Recruiting Coordinator at Mississippi State.
Hadens 2024-25 roster brings back two veteran faces,
- Sophomore forward, Liv Fuller
- 5th year guard, Simone James.
We spoke with these players along with former player, Junior, Amoni Byrd at the new coach introduction in April about their feelings with a new coach. “I feel like she (Haden) has the chance and the potential to rise above the bar and get us a championship. I’m excited to see if we’ll be able to achieve that during her first year here.” said Byrd.
Director of Athletics Communication, Chad Jackson also commented on this upcoming season “This season should be an exciting one for Georgia Southern women’s basketball. Head coach Hana Haden and her staff have constructed an experienced roster, including four newcomers who have scored 1,000+ points in their collegiate careers, which should create a high energy environment for the opening of the new Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center later this Fall.”
Along with the returning veteran players, Haden brought in four transfers and three incoming freshmen to complete the team. Those players include junior transfers,
- Guard, Jazmyne Jackson from Grambling State
- Forward, Deannasty Smith from Northwest Florida State
- Guard, Nakiyah Mays-Prince from Delaware
And one sophomore transfer, Center, Paris Gaines from University of Kansas. The three freshman transfers include twin sisters, Guard/Forwards, Jamiria and Tamiria Jones from Birmingham, Alabama and local Bulloch Academy student, Forward, Ashantay Noble.
The rest of the roster includes:
- Senior Guard, Bukky Akinsola
- Senior Guard, Nicole Gwynn
- Senior Guard, Mckenna Eddings
- Senior Center, Leah Johnson
- Senior Forward, Indya Green
Haden also spoke on what GS can expect to see from her in her first season with the Eagles during her introduction press conference.
“We will take pride on the defensive end of the floor, we will find ways to be disruptive, to impose our will and to keep teams off balance,” said Haden. “On the offensive end we’re going to find a way to be as efficient as possible, take pride in our execution and play selflessly.”
