Gainesville, FL

Freshman Leyah Houston has decided to continue her collegiate career at Alcorn State University.

Houston is originally from Gainesville, FL, where she went to Gainesville High School. She then signed to play her freshman year at Santa Fe College for the 2023-24 season.

Houston had a very impressive season with an average of 9.7 rebounds per game, which was third in rebounds in the FCSAA. She shot over 43% from the field and had an average of 13.4 points per game, which was 14th in the FCSAA. The forward was also quick on the defensive end of the ball with a steal per game. 

Alcorn State University is a Division I program that competes in the South West Athletic Conference (SWAC). Alcorn State women's basketball is coached by Nate Kilbert, who has been the head coach since 2020. Before Alcorn State, in 2001 Kilbert was the head coach at Mississippi Valley State. In the 2023-2024 season, Alcorn State was the runner up in their conference tournament and had a conference record of 8-10. 

Redshirt freshman Shakiria Chaney has decided to continue her collegiate career at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC).

Chaney is originally from Tifton, Georgia, and attended Tift County High School. Before coming to Santa Fe, she was redshirted at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Georgia where she practiced with the team.

During her season as a Saint, Chaney played in all 29 of the team's games. She led the Santa Fe College women's basketball team with 14.4 points per game while also grabbing 7.8 rebounds per game and averaging 1.6 assists per game. Chaney was just as good on the defensive side of the ball with almost two steals per game to go along with half a block a game.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public college located in Chaney's hometown of Tifton, Georgia. The school's basketball programs were discontinued in 2008, but will be returning for the 2024-25 season in which Chaney will compete. The return of the ABAC Stallion's basketball programs coincides with their transition to four-year athletics that will more closely align with their academic programs offered.

Article By: Mosheven Mast & Macy Zaban

Graphic By: Bryan Denton