By: Stephen Featherston, Assistant Director of Communications
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee State women's basketball program and head coach
Ty Evans announced the signing of four new players who will be joining the Lady Tigers for the 2024-2025 season.
Deemed the "Fantastic Four", Evans and his staff have lots of confidence in the incoming class that consists of all freshmen.
"The addition of the "Fantastic Four" of Jada, Erin, Krystal, and Xai excites us for a multitude of reasons. We were extremely "intentional" in identifying and pursuing young ladies that not only exemplified the "Press Play" mentality on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community, and these four checked every box," stated head coach
Ty Evans. "We have added versatility, length, athleticism, scoring ability, and a defensive prowess to a core that we feel gives us the foundation for sustained success that will ultimately culminate into championships."
Jada Collins
Forward | 6-2
Kalamazoo, Mich. | Kalamazoo Central HS
Collins was named Honorable Mention All-State after averaging 13.9 points per game and 7.0 boards as a junior. She had offers from Cleveland State, Bellarmine, Western Michigan, Loyola Chicago, Stony Brook, Georgetown, and Central Michigan.
Coaches Comments
Jada Collins hails from the "GREAT LAKES STATE", growing up in Kalamazoo, Mich. She is one of the most versatile forwards in the HS Class of 2024. Off the court, she describes herself as creative, and chill, yet goofy (at times). We wholeheartedly believe that our institution and Women's Basketball program will greatly benefit from her addition.
Krystal Haddock
Guard | 5-10
Greenville, N.C. | Good-Better-Best Academy
Haddock has played in 68 games through three seasons at D.H. Conley before transferring for her final season. She averaged 10.9 ppg, 4.6 assists per game, and 5.2 rebounds per game throughout those three seasons.
Coaches Comments
Krystal Haddock comes to us from the "TAR HEEL STATE" and resides in Greenville, NC. On the basketball court, you'd be hard-pressed to find a grittier 2-way player, who provides a physical presence on both ends of the floor in the Class of 2024. Off the court, she self-describes as intelligent, empathetic, and energetic. Krystal is truly excited about Tennessee State University becoming her home away from home upon her high school graduation. We fully believe that her athletic intangibles would be an appreciated addition to our Women's Basketball program.
Erin Martin
Guard | 5-11
Montgomery, Ala. | Brewbaker Tech Magnet HS
Martin was the first player in Brew Tech history to record 100 blocks and 100 steals in one season. Last year she led the Rams in almost every category, averaging 14 points per game, 2.9 assists, 7.9 rebounds, 4.7 steals, and 2.5 blocks.
Coaches Comments
Erin Martin comes to TSU from the "YELLOWHAMMER STATE", with her home base being Montgomery, Ala. She is touted as one of the best shooting guards in the Class of 2024, whose skill sets are complemented by her height, length, and speed. Off the court, she describes herself as being organized, happy, and hard-working. Erin has made her commitment to Tennessee State University because of what we have to offer in terms of both her academic and athletic outlook. Her signing also ensures a family streak (Mom, Dad, & Sister) of HBCU attendees/graduates. With high confidence, we trust that Erin is the type of student-athlete to help our Women's Basketball program grow.
XaiOnna Whitfield
Guard | 5-8
Oxford, Ala. | Oxford HS
Whitfield is a two-time All-State player and led Oxford to its first-ever appearance in the final four. She averaged 14.8 points and 4.8 rebounds and was the MVP of the Calhoun County Tournament as a junior. She was a finalist for Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A Player of the Year in 2022.
Coaches Comments
XaiOnna Whitfield resides in "SWEET HOME ALABAMA" and grew up in Oxford. In the Class of 2024, she stands out as a multi-level scorer, along with the ability to create for others. Off the court, she describes herself as athletic, humble, and smart. We are strongly encouraged that she would be a welcomed addition to our institution.
