NASHVILLE — Tennessee State women's basketball has added seven talented student-athletes to its 2026-27 roster, head coach Candice Dupree announced. The class features a blend of Division I experience, junior college production, international talent, and highly decorated high school standouts from across the United States and abroad.

"We're excited to welcome this group to Tennessee State," said Dupree. "They bring a great combination of experience, talent, and competitiveness to our program. Each of these student-athletes fits the culture we're building and shares our commitment to excellence on and off the court. We look forward to seeing their impact on our team and helping them continue to grow as players and young women."

Addison Melton | Graduate | Small Forward | Murfreesboro, Tenn.

A local product and former standout at Central Magnet School, Melton arrives at Tennessee State after spending the past two seasons at Lipscomb. During the 2025-26 season, she appeared in eight games, shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three-point range.

As a freshman in 2024-25, Melton played in 31 games and averaged 3.5 points per contest while connecting on 37.7 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc. She recorded three double-figure scoring performances and provided valuable depth on the perimeter.

Before beginning her collegiate career, Melton established herself as one of the most accomplished players in Central Magnet history. She finished as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,964 points and all-time leading rebounder with 825 rebounds. A four-time BCAT All-State selection and Tennessee Miss Basketball finalist, she averaged 20.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a senior while helping lead Central Magnet to multiple district championships and postseason appearances.

Nandinkhusel Nyamjav | Junior | Shooting Guard | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Nyamjav brings extensive international experience and proven collegiate production to Nashville. Most recently at Florida Tech, she appeared in 17 games with 13 starts, averaging 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game before an injury shortened her season.

She scored in double figures 10 times, including a season-high 28 points against USC Beaufort and a double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds against Saint Leo.

Prior to her collegiate career, Nyamjav starred for the Ulaanbaatar Amazons and Mongolia's National Team programs. She helped Mongolia qualify for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup and played a key role in the country's historic silver-medal finish at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Her accomplishments earned her the prestigious "Honored Athlete of Mongolia" recognition from the President of Mongolia.

Raegan Starks | Junior | Power Forward | Antioch, Tenn.

One of Tennessee's top junior college players, Starks joins Tennessee State from Walters State Community College after averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.

A consistent force in the paint, she totaled 378 points and 274 rebounds while shooting 39 percent from the field. Starks also added 54 steals and helped lead Walters State to a successful postseason run, highlighted by multiple tournament victories.

Her physical presence, rebounding ability, and relentless motor are expected to provide an immediate impact in the Tigers' frontcourt.

LaKiara Alexander | Freshman | Power Forward | Camden, S.C.

Alexander arrives in Nashville as one of South Carolina's premier frontcourt prospects. The 6-foot-1 forward averaged 15.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game during her senior season.

Ranked among the top players in South Carolina's Class of 2026, Alexander built a reputation as a consistent double-double threat with the ability to protect the rim and facilitate offense from the high post.

Her combination of size, versatility, and basketball IQ makes her one of the most promising newcomers in Tennessee State's signing class.

Adrienne Hunt | Freshman | Small Forward | Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Hunt brings length, athleticism, and scoring ability from Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa. A four-year varsity player and three-year starter, she earned multiple All-Area honors throughout her prep career.

Known for her ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions, Hunt was selected to consecutive Area All-Tournament Teams and earned Tuscaloosa News All-Area recognition. She also competed with Alabama Twisters Elite on the AAU circuit while maintaining a strong academic record.

Her versatility on both ends of the floor gives Tennessee State another dynamic wing prospect for the future.

Danica Lazic | Freshman | Point Guard | Cacak, Serbia

Lazic gives Tennessee State an international floor general with experience competing at one of Tennessee's premier prep programs, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy.

The Serbian point guard earned multiple Player of the Game honors throughout her high school career and developed a reputation for her ball-handling ability, court vision, and leadership. Competing against elite national competition helped her refine her playmaking skills and prepare for the next level.

Lazic's experience running an offense and creating opportunities for teammates will add valuable depth and versatility to the Tigers' backcourt.

Sherry Zheng | Freshman | Point Guard | Taipei, Taiwan

Zheng joins the Tigers as an accomplished international guard from Taipei, Taiwan. A dynamic playmaker, she has demonstrated the ability to impact games as both a facilitator and perimeter scorer.

Known for her court awareness, passing ability, and defensive instincts, Zheng adds another talented young piece to Tennessee State's future backcourt. Her international experience and high basketball IQ provide additional versatility to an already impressive signing class.

The seven-player class represents Tennessee State's continued commitment to building a roster capable of competing for championships in the Ohio Valley Conference and beyond.