Story by
Dawn Thornton, Alabama A&M retool with 11-player recruiting class
- Story by
- Dawn Thornton, Alabama A&M retool with 11-player recruiting class
Dawn Thornton, Alabama A&M retool with 11-player recruiting class appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
After winning the SWAC regular-season championship in 2025-26, Alabama A&M women's basketball is looking to reload rather than rebuild. Head coach Dawn Thornton announced an 11-player signing class this week featuring nine transfers and two high school recruits as the Bulldogs look to build on a season in which they finished 22-11 overall and 17-1 in SWAC play. Alabama A&M's only conference loss came in a 74-72 overtime defeat to Mississippi Valley State.
Advertisement
The Bulldogs advanced to the SWAC Tournament semifinals after defeating Florida A&M before falling to eventual conference champion Southern, 51-49. Alabama A&M later earned a berth in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament, where it was defeated by BYU in the opening round.
Thornton said the newest additions were selected because they fit the program's long-term vision.
"We wanted players who could help us continue building a championship program, and we found that in this class. They understand the standard, they embrace the work and they are ready to help us take the next step. Bulldog Nation should be excited because the future of Alabama A&M Women's Basketball is in great hands."
The Bulldogs will welcome the following players for the 2026-27 season:
| Player |
Pos. |
Previous School |
| Addison Howell |
G |
Mississippi Valley State |
| Kalea Rainey |
G |
Florida Memorial |
| Shunteria Anmele |
G |
University of Houston |
| Miracle Akpotayobo |
F |
University of Arizona |
| Janessa Kelley |
G |
Bethune-Cookman |
| Skylar White |
G |
Virginia State |
| Logyn McNeil |
F |
University of Houston |
| Tazi Harris |
F |
Snead State |
| Alisha Murray |
G |
Grambling State |
| Khloe Bradley |
F |
Sparkman High School (Ala.) |
| Alya Benson |
G |
Madison Central High School (Miss.) |
Alabama A&M leaned heavily into the transfer portal, particularly within the HBCU ranks, bringing in players familiar with SWAC play from Mississippi Valley State, Bethune-Cookman and Grambling State. At the same time, the Bulldogs added talent from outside the conference, including Florida Memorial and Virginia State, giving the roster a blend of familiarity and fresh perspective.
Advertisement
At least three newcomers — Shunteria Anmele and Logyn McNeil from Houston, along with Miracle Akpotayobo from Arizona — come from former FBS programs, bringing Power Five and Group of Five experience into the fold.
Related: John Grant addresses the possibility of 4-team HBCU football playoffs
Related: Former HBCU standout Bryce Harris signs with Oklahoma City Thunder
