FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball will have nine new faces this upcoming season, as Head Coach Ryan McAdams completed his first recruiting class this summer.
Members of the Class of 2022 include guards Esther Oluade, Sydney Nunley, Truth Taylor, Abby Summitt, Rodrea Echols, Aaliyah Prince and forwards Kayla Brundidge, McKenzie Piper, and Sinetra Jones. Eight of the nine are transfers, with Summitt being the lone freshman.
"This is the biggest class I have ever been a part of," McAdams said. "It will be a great challenge this fall to help them come together and prepare to compete with one another. With the average age of our team increasing, I look forward to a unified front containing seasoned players who will use their experience to accomplish great things.
"In every single recruiting process, we talked about competing, love for the game, and taking advantage of the opportunity to both play collegiately and to play here at UAFS, a very special place. I look forward to an exciting year and a positive step in the right direction for our program."
Esther Oluade
Oluade joins the Lions after two seasons at Panola College and one year at NCAA I Loyola Marymount. The London, England, native averaged 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals in her two years at Panola. Oluade was a multi-time national champion with her U18 team in England.
"It takes mental and physical toughness to play in Region XIV at the JUCO level and Esther possesses both of those. She is a true point guard and tremendous competitor." -McAdams
Sydney Nunley
Nunley transfers to UAFS from Hill College, where she averaged 8.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season on 53.6 percent shooting. She had two 20-point performances including 27 points in a win over Louisiana State University Eunice.
"Syd was our first signee and the first to believe in our vision. She has great energy and has been playing collegiately for a while. Her length will help us on the perimeter." -McAdams
Truth Taylor
Taylor played her 2021-22 season at Shaw University, where she averaged 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. She shot 87.9 percent from the free throw line.
"As one of our one-year transfers, Truth is looking to finish her collegiate career on a high note. She is a tremendous student and brings unselfishness and toughness to our program on the floor." -McAdams
Abby Summitt
Summitt will begin her collegiate career close to home after committing to the Lions from Greenwood High School. Summitt was a two-time All-Conference selection as well as an All-State and All-Tournament team honoree. She helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to a state championship last season.
"Abby had a decorated career at Greenwood and we are thrilled to have her. She has played in big games and brings a winner's mentality having won the 5A state title this season." -McAdams
Rodrea Echols
Echols previously played under McAdams while at New Mexico State from 2018-21. She scored a career-high 21 points against Grand Canyon as a senior in a year in which she averaged 9.5 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 43.5 percent from three. Echols also played one season each at Trinity Valley Community College and Oklahoma State. She was ranked 80th in the ESPN HoopGurlz Top 100 in high school.
"Having known Dee Dee for four years, I am confident she will come in and help lead the way for us in her final year of eligibility. She is a tough competitor and takes pride in the defensive end of the floor. She can play multiple positions and can guard a variety of players, as well." -McAdams
Aaliyah Prince
Prince spent five seasons at New Mexico State, where she also played under McAdams and was a teammate of Echols. Prince averaged 12.1 points per game in 2020-21 and scored a career-high 25 points against UTEP. She was named second team All-WAC and earned a spot on the All-WAC Defensive Team. She holds career averages of 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Prince was a three-star recruit out of high school according to ESPN.
"As another one-year transfer, Aaliyah has the chance to finish her career on her terms. She is excited for the opportunity and I am equally excited to watch her excel for us. She brings athleticism and a scoring punch at the wing position." -McAdams
Kayla Brundidge
Brundidge spent three seasons at Seattle Pacific, playing in 50 games and averaging 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. She recorded a double-double in her collegiate debut.
"Kayla is a forward with three years of Division II experience and is a terrific addition to our roster. She comes from a basketball family and has a winning pedigree. Kayla is well-rounded and will have a positive impact on our locker room." -McAdams
McKenzie Piper
Piper previously played at McLennan Community College, averaging 6.0 points and 6.1 rebounds in 2020-21.
"Piper will be a turnkey player for us at multiple positions. Despite being 5-9, she brings strength and physicality to our team and we plan to plug her in to different roles." -McAdams
Sinetra Jones
Jones transfers to UAFS after playing the last two seasons at Oral Roberts. She appeared in 13 games and tallied 17 points and 25 rebounds in 2020-21. At Dyersburg State Community College, Jones averaged 6.6 points, 13.6 rebounds and 8.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor. She led the TCCAA in rebounding and blocks that season.
"As a 6-3 Division I transfer, Sinetra has a chance to use her high-level experience and help lead our post group. She was a terrific rim protector in her junior college days and we plan on her being an anchor for us on that end of the floor." -McAdams
