COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team and head coach Jim Davis have announced the addition of center Alliyah Smith, an Athens, Ala., native.

"Alliyah is 6-foot-2, and strong," head coach Jim Davis said. "She has great back to the basket moves, runs the floor very well, and is a great defender. She played on a junior college team that finished in the elite eight in the Junior College National Tournament. I think she will have an immediate impact on our program, and will be a very strong defender down low."

Smith, the 6-foot-2 center, spent the last two seasons at Northwest Florida State College with fellow TTU signee Takisha Jordan, helping them to a 54-12 record over her two seasons, including two NJCAA National Championship Quarterfinal appearances. She averaged 5.6 points and 4.9 rebounds this past year but put up 12.3 points and eight rebounds per game in the national tournament.

"I chose Tennessee Tech because I loved the atmosphere," Smith said. "The coaches priorities were the same as mine, which is to become a better player and graduate. Also, the team was very welcoming. On the court, I'm just going to play my role and give the team what they need. Off the court, I'm going to focus on being the best student that I can be."

"We are excited about Alliyah, and all of our signees," Davis said. "I think all of them are going to have a major impact on our program next season."

Photo from NWF's Athletic Program Assistant Drew Bowman