COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech women's basketball celebrated a major milestone in its recruiting efforts on Friday with the signing of 6-0 playmaker LaReesha "Reesha" Cawthorn, a highly sought-after forward from Franklin-Simpson High School in Franklin, Ky.
Cawthorn's commitment represents a significant addition to the Golden Eagles' 2025-26 roster, as she brings an impressive track record of success on and off the court. Known for her versatile skill set, basketball IQ, and tenacity, Cawthorn is expected to make an immediate impact at Tennessee Tech.
Cawthorn has distinguished herself as one of Kentucky's top high school players with an athletic resume that includes being named 4th Region Player of the Year as a junior, along with back-to-back District Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior.
Under the guidance of her high school coach Ashley Taylor, Cawthorn has led Franklin-Simpson to regional prominence, proving her value not only as a high-impact scorer but as a key playmaker and team leader. Her success has earned her spots on the All-4th Region Tournament Team and All-District Team in each of her last three years.
"Reesha's commitment to TTU women's basketball is a sign that the future will continue to be very bright for our program," said Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond. "She brings so much to the table as a player and a person. Reesha is a fierce competitor with an incredible work ethic who also has the size and skill to impact the game in so many ways. Her scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities make her a game-changer on both ends of the floor, and we're thrilled to be able to help her grow and develop her game over the next four years. As talented as she is, Reesha is an even better person, and someone we will all be proud to have represent Tennessee Tech on and off the court."
Cawthorn's stats speak to her all-around game. She averaged 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game as a freshman, establishing herself as an immediate contributor. Her sophomore season saw a remarkable jump to 19.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, while, as a junior, she averaged 17.0 points and 10.0 rebounds even though she was the focal point of her opposing defenders on a nightly basis. Her career totals of 1,478 points and 900 rebounds heading into her senior campaign are nothing short of impressive.
Academically, Cawthorn exemplifies the same excellence she demonstrates on the court. A 4.0 student and recipient of the All-A Academic Award, she has served as HOSA Secretary and a member of her school's Ambassadors Club for two years. She has also earned her PCT certification, a significant accomplishment as she prepares for her intended major in nursing with a focus on labor and delivery.
"I chose Tennessee Tech because it felt like home," Cawthorn said. "I loved the coaches and their coaching styles, and I knew they would help me continue to grow as a player and a person as well. Cookeville is a gorgeous city – it is not too big or too small and is not very far from my hometown."
The addition of Cawthorn completes the fall portion of Tennessee Tech's signing class as she joins Amaya Redd (Knoxville Catholic HS), Lyriq Mastin (Blackman HS) and Sofi Miller (The First Academy of Orlando, Fla.). This talented signing class has tremendous potential and will help shape the future of Tech women's basketball as the program looks to continue to compete for championships.
The Golden Eagles return to action Tuesday, November 19, as they attempt to start the 2024-25 season with a 5-0 record for the first time since the 1992-93 campaign as they tangle with Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for Tennessee Tech basketball are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or order online at TTUsports.com.
Follow Tech women's basketball on Facebook, as well as on X and on Instagram at @TTUWBB.
