By Kevin Albarez, Louisiana Tech Associate Director Strategic Communications
RUSTON— Louisiana Tech women’s basketball head coach Brooke Stoehr announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Lady Techsters program on Tuesday.
LA Tech added transfers Sydney Thomas (Kennesaw, Ga./Kentucky State) and Aniya Williams (Marlin, Texas/McLennan Community College) for the 2024-25 season.
Thomas, a 5-8 guard, is a graduate transfer from Kentucky State, where she led the Thorobreds to a 21-7 record this season.
“Sydney brings experience and athleticism to the perimeter,” said Stoehr. “Her ability to defend the ball and disrupt will be a great addition to our team. Sydney is a true 3 and D, as she shot over 40% from 3-point range and will rebound at the guard position as well. We are excited to welcome Sydney to the Lady Techsters family.”
Thomas averaged 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds a game and shot 46.3 percent from the field, 40.3 percent from long range, and 80 percent from the charity stripe. She scored a season-high 14 against LeMoyne-Owen on Feb. 5 and Tuskegee on Feb. 26.
A two-time First Team All-Conference selection at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga., Thomas added All-SIAC Tournament Team while leading Kentucky State to the conference championship game during her senior season.
Thomas has received the Presidential Award and is a four-time member of the Dean’s List. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude before joining the Lady Techsters.
Williams is a 6-0 forward who has led McLennan to a 53-11 record in her two seasons, including a trip to the NJCAA Division I Basketball National Championship.
“Aniya is a high motor player who possesses the ability to defend and rebound well in our league,” Stoehr said. She will finish around the rim and play facing the basket. She is a coach’s daughter and knows what it takes to compete every day and do the little things that create winning. We are thrilled to have Aniya joining our program.”
Williams has started 60 of the 64 games she has played, averaging 8.6 points and 7.8 rebounds a contest. She averaged 12.1 points and 9.2 rebounds during her sophomore season while scoring double figures in 26 contests and collecting North Texas Junior College All-Conference honor.
She recorded 12 double-doubles on the season, including a season-high 21 points while grabbing 12 rebounds against Temple College on Feb. 24. Williams also had a season-high 16 rebounds in a win against Collin County on Jan. 20.
Williams is a two-time First Team Super Centex and TABC All-Region selection while also garnering a Defensive Player of the Year and MCC All-Conference selection at Marlin High School in Marlin, Texas.
In the classroom, Williams is a four-time Academic All-District selection and a member of the National Honors Society.