COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech's 2024-25 women's basketball roster received a huge boost on Thursday thanks to the addition of transfer forward Taris Thornton, a six-foot standout from Eastern Illinois.
Thornton, a dynamic and steady performer in the Ohio Valley Conference, brings a wealth of talent, athleticism, and experience to the Golden Eagles.
As a junior this past season in Charleston, Ill., Thornton missed a portion of the nonconference season, but returned to provide EIU a huge boost in conference play. Playing in 20 games and making 17 starts, she opened her season with a 10-point outing at IUPUI and returned to double figures with 13 points in a home win over Western Illinois in just her third game back in the line-up.
For the year, she recorded 10 double-figure scoring games, scored a season-high 16 points in a home victory over Lindenwood, and posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds at home against UT Martin. Thornton ended the season with a double-double in the Panthers' OVC Tournament semifinal game against Southern Indiana with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
On the year, she averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds, added 24 steals and 17 blocks on defense, and scored in double digits in four straight games between Feb. 8 and Feb. 17.
"Having competed against Taris for the last three seasons, I love all the different ways she can impact the game," Tech head coach Kim Rosamond explained. "Her strength and athleticism, ability to score off the dribble, and her commitment to the defensive end and the boards will be a huge asset for our team. She can score in a number of different ways, but one of my favorite things about her is the difference she makes on the defensive end. I am elated to be able to add a veteran and talent like Taris to our roster."
Thornton played in 26 games as a sophomore at EIU, including five starts, and averaged 8.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on her way to shooting 46.9 percent from the field for the season.
Reflecting on her decision, Thornton expressed her excitement about joining the Golden Eagles. "I chose Tennessee Tech because I felt like everyone was so genuine. They provide incredible support to their student-athletes, and the facilities and coaching staff are great. It's a place where you can excel both academically and athletically. I can't wait to be part of the team."
The Lombard, Ill. native played her senior season at Willowbrook High School, leading her team to a 13-2 record including a 6-0 record in the West Suburban Conference.
Thornton's addition to the Tennessee Tech Women's Basketball team signals a promising future for the program. With her skills, experience, and leadership, she is poised to make an immediate impact and bolster an already-strong returning Golden Eagle roster.
Joining Trevecca transfer guard Keeley Carter as late signing-period additions for the purple and gold, Thornton will look to keep the Golden Eagles on the track as one of the most consistent and successful programs in the OVC. Tech will enter the 2024-25 campaign boasting six straight winning seasons, bolstered by six consecutive years of double-digit wins in OVC play. That stretch includes an impressive, three 20-win campaigns, an OVC Tournament title, and the team's first victory in the NCAA Tournament since 1990.
Photo by Thomas Corhern
