By Jonathan Caudle, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Veteran leadership is one of the cornerstones of building a successful athletic program, and the Golden Eagles' senior duo of Anacia Wilkinson and Akia Harris have more than fit the bill.
"The seniors are definitely leaving Tennessee Tech women's basketball better than they found it," expressed head coach Kim Rosamond. "Akia and Naci have been an integral part of helping bring this program back to where it can compete for championships. They both are wonderful young women who will leave a lasting impression. Especially when it comes to blocking shots and assists. They brought the team together with leadership and lift their teammates up with encouragement."
"Our seniors lead this team," said Rosamond. "Naci produces in every category. Knocking down shots, grabbing rebounds, finishing at the rim, and a rim protector. Akia is a floor general and a workhorse on the defensive end, she put her teammates in a position to shine all year and that is what great point guards do."
Wilkinson and Harris have been the foundation of the Tennessee Tech women's basketball program since Coach Rosamond took over the reins in 2016.
Wilkinson and Harris played a major role leading the Golden Eagles to a 22-win season during the 2018-19 campaign, as well as a 17-win season so far during their 2019-20 campaign.
Wilkinson, a Houston, Texas native, is a fifth-year and joined the Golden Eagles during head coach Jim Davis' tenure at Tech. Sidelined with a knee-injury her freshman year in 2015-16, the 6-foot-2 forward used the next four years to climb the career charts in blocks. During the 2018-19 season, Wilkinson soared past the single-season record at Tech for blocked shots, posting an impressive 92 blocks over the 33-game campaign, surpassing the previous school record of 61 in a season, held by Kayla Brewer following the 2013-14 campaign. She has also twice tied the program's single-game blocks record of nine, including earlier this season at Morehead State. Wilkinson graduated this past May with a bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in microbiology and is currently pursuing her master's in professional studies.
"Naci has endured and battled several injuries during her career," said Rosamond. "She has been a huge part of the success of our team during her time here at TTU. She is our paint-protector and that is something we will miss greatly."
Harris, a Chattanooga, Tenn. native, came to Tech as a freshman during coach Rosamond's inaugural season. Over her four years at Tech, Harris has become an elite ball-handler for the Purple and Gold. She has been the Golden Eagles yearly leader in assists since her freshman season. During her freshman, Harris got off to a blazing start as she recorded a career-high 12 assists on Nov. 19 against Middle Tennessee. She matched that mark on Jan. 7 against Murray State when she produced the best game of her career, becoming just the fifth player and second freshman in school history to record a triple-double, totaling 19 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Since then, Harris has solidified herself in the Tech record books, ranking No. 7 all-time in assists with 494 and counting. Harris is set to graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education, and wellness with a concentration in fitness and wellness.
"Akia is our motor and our floor general," expressed Rosamond. "She has a special ability to see the floor and instills confidence in her teammates. Her unselfishness and point guard mentality will be greatly missed."
The senior duo will be recognized on the court following Saturday's game against Southeast Missouri.
Photo by TTU Sports Information
