JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Edward Waters University women's basketball program is reloading in a big way. Head Coach Eric Jackson, Jr. has officially announced the signing of 14 new players — a powerful mix of freshmen and transfers — who will suit up for the Tigers in the 2025–26 season.

The class brings scoring punch, size, versatility, and experience from top junior colleges, NCAA programs, and championship-caliber high school programs across the country — and even internationally. Coach Jackson says the group will make an immediate impact on the court and in the locker room.

"Our staff worked tirelessly to find student-athletes who fit our culture, our style of play, and our goals," Jackson said. "This class is a special blend of talent and toughness. Every one of these young women brings something unique that can help us compete for championships right away."

Player-by-Player Breakdown

#0 – Jourdan Avery – SG – Orlando, Fla. – 5'6 – Senior – Timber Creek HS - Hillsborough CC
A dynamic combo guard with SIAC experience, Avery is known for her explosiveness and ability to push the tempo.
 
Coach Jackson: "Jourdan is an explosive combo guard that has SIAC experience. Her familiarity with the league's toughness will help us gel faster. I'm excited she decided to come back and finish her career with us."
 
#1 – Kaylynn Asberry – PG – St. Paul, Minn. – 5'7 – Junior – Como Park Senior HS - Cochise College/St. Peter's University
A true floor general and fierce competitor who can score at all three levels. Averaged 11.2 points and 4.8 assists at Cochise.
 
Coach Jackson: "When you think ultimate competitor, KK comes to mind instantly. She is a gamer! She also has an offensive game that allows her to score at all three levels."
 
#2 – Denver Arnold – SG – Valdosta, Ga. – 5'8 – Junior – Valdosta HS -  Coastal Alabama–South
Sharp-shooting guard with deep range who hit 40% from three last season.
 
Coach Jackson: "Den is a big-time shooter who has the ability to stretch the defense. She can get hot in a hurry and has elite level work ethic."
 
#4 – Zahra Daniel – SF – Miami, Fla. – 5'11 – Graduate – Miami Central - Radford University/Pensacola State
Athletic and versatile, Daniel averaged 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds at Pensacola State.
 
Coach Jackson: "Zahra is a warrior. She brings versatility, length, and athleticism. All are things that can help us win championships."
 
#5 – Imani Harris – PG – Bronx, N.Y. – 5'5 – Junior – Monsignor Scanlan HS -  Lincoln University/Siena University
Quick, confident, and fearless lead guard who thrives in creating for others and pressuring defenses.
 
Coach Jackson: "Imani is a lead guard that just oozes confidence and swag. She is someone who you don't have to run a lot of plays for to be a threat. It might be a New York thing!"
 
#7 – Kalisha Phillips – PF – Atlanta, Ga. – 5'11 – Junior – Hiram HS - Tallahassee CC
High-energy forward who averaged 7.8 rebounds and anchored one of the toughest JUCO defenses in Florida.
 
Coach Jackson: "KP is a big-time athlete with an elite motor. At 5'11 she will be able to disrupt on multiple layers of our defense."
 
#10 – Biyyanah Ellis – SF – Odessa, Texas – 5'11 – Junior – Odessa HS - Seward County CC
Physical wing and perimeter threat who shot 38% from beyond the arc.
 
Coach Jackson: "Yani is a physical wing who can flat out shoot it from outside as well. She is a perfect mixture of length and skill."
 
#11 – Zhordan Shannon – SF – Smyrna, Tenn. – 5'10 – Senior –  Stewarts Creek HS - Glenville State/Alabama A&M
Versatile forward with championship experience and a knack for filling the stat sheet.
 
Coach Jackson: "Zhordan is a high-level competitor who thrives in transition and high-energy plays. She has an ability to stuff the stat sheet and fit into multiple roles. That versatility is huge for us."
 
#12 – Nia Brown – PF – Jacksonville, Fla. – 6'1 – Senior – Orange Park HS - UNF/Daytona State
A hometown standout and 6'1 wing who combines length with scoring touch.
 
Coach Jackson: "Nino is a hard worker and is set to have a huge season this year. I'm glad she still decided to stay home for her last ride. Hard to find a 6'1 wing that can do what she can."
 
#13 – Shcira Fowles – PF – Harlem, N.Y. – 6'1 – Senior – South Shore HS - Lander University
Big, skilled post player who can score inside and defend multiple positions.
 
Coach Jackson: "Cira is a big-time player and a big-time competitor. She is the type of player that allows us to scheme in some unique ways. I'm excited to coach her."
 
#15 – Diana Letaru – PF – Uganda – 5'10 – Junior – Grayson College
International talent with inside-out scoring ability.
 
Coach Jackson: "Diana is a match-up nightmare. She has the skill set to play both post spots and take advantage of various mismatches."
 
#20 – Ameyla Hatch – PG – Ripley, Miss. – 5'5 – Graduate –  Ripley HS - Rust College/Itawamba CC
Veteran point guard with exceptional court vision and leadership skills.
 
Coach Jackson: "Meme is a savvy vet who is very self-aware as a player. She has a wealth of knowledge at this point in her career. I know that she can be a steady hand with such a new team."
 
#22 – Nave'ah Pina – SG – Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – 5'8 – Junior – Etiwanda HS - Riverside City CC
Elite perimeter shooter with a quick release.
 
Coach Jackson: "Nave'ah is a big-time shooter with some Cali swag. She has a quick release and elite confidence level of her skills. She will need that when we go on the road in hostile environments."
 
#23 – Tan Brown – SG – Eustis, Fla. – 5'6 – Junior – Eustis HS - FSCJ
Strong, physical guard with a scoring résumé from JUCO play.
 
Coach Jackson: "Tan is a big-time scorer with a decorated juco career. She is a strong physical guard that plays hard on both sides of the ball."
 
#32 – Xaniya Jackson – C – Jacksonville, Fla. – 6'2 – Junior – Andrew Jackson HS - St. Petersburg CC
Versatile big who can score inside and step out on the perimeter.
 
Coach Jackson: "Niya is a super versatile big. She has the skill set to play inside and out at a high level. I'm glad her family will get to watch her play close to home."
 
"We've added shooters, size, playmakers, and competitors,"  said Jackson. "Our fans are going to love the energy this group brings. They are hungry, and they want to win. That combination is dangerous for our opponents."
With this new wave of talent, EWU looks poised to build on its momentum and make noise in the SIAC. The future is bright for Lady Tiger basketball.

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