University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Simmons Announces First Tiger Signing Class
Nov 10, 2023 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis women's basketball team has added two to the roster for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Taylor Barner and Tamaya Smith.
Taylor Barner | 5'9" | Guard | Cary, N.C. | Panther Creek High School
An ESPN Top-40 player and four-star prospect, Barner comes to Memphis after an exceptional career at Panther Creek High School where she is a member of the 1,000-point club. During her junior season, Barner led her team to its first North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A State Championship game. Barner was named as the Most Outstanding Player during the state championship game after posting 20 points in the win.
Barner was named as the HighSchoolOT Honor Girls Basketball Player of the Year, was selected to the HighschoolOT All-State Team and was a member of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State and All-District teams.
"Taylor is a player who we targeted very early into my arrival. When we looked at our roster, we knew a scoring point guard would be a priority in the 2024 class," head women's basketball coach Alex Simmons said. "Taylor would be a championship pedigree with a very high level of playing experience. She brings toughness, work ethic and a love for the game that any coach would love to have. I am excited that she chose Memphis as her next home, and I can't wait to coach her!"
Tamya Smith | 6'2" | Forward | Pleasant Grove, Ala. | Pleasant Grove High School
Smith comes to Memphis following a successful prep career at Pleasant Grove High School where she was a finalist for the 5A Player of the Year and was named as the 5A State Champion MVP and 5A All-State First Team.
A member of the 1,500-point club, Smith was chosen to participate in the Junior All-Star game for North Alabama and was named as the Most Valuable Player.
"Tamya is a very special player that I would consider one of the more slept-on players in the country. Her versatility and availability to play multiple positions is what sets her apart," head coach Alex Simmons said. "She is a great mismatch player offensively and has the ability to alter shots at the guard position. We are excited for the future at Memphis and Tamya's addition makes it much brighter."
Taylor Barner | 5'9" | Guard | Cary, N.C. | Panther Creek High School
An ESPN Top-40 player and four-star prospect, Barner comes to Memphis after an exceptional career at Panther Creek High School where she is a member of the 1,000-point club. During her junior season, Barner led her team to its first North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A State Championship game. Barner was named as the Most Outstanding Player during the state championship game after posting 20 points in the win.
Barner was named as the HighSchoolOT Honor Girls Basketball Player of the Year, was selected to the HighschoolOT All-State Team and was a member of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State and All-District teams.
"Taylor is a player who we targeted very early into my arrival. When we looked at our roster, we knew a scoring point guard would be a priority in the 2024 class," head women's basketball coach Alex Simmons said. "Taylor would be a championship pedigree with a very high level of playing experience. She brings toughness, work ethic and a love for the game that any coach would love to have. I am excited that she chose Memphis as her next home, and I can't wait to coach her!"
Tamya Smith | 6'2" | Forward | Pleasant Grove, Ala. | Pleasant Grove High School
Smith comes to Memphis following a successful prep career at Pleasant Grove High School where she was a finalist for the 5A Player of the Year and was named as the 5A State Champion MVP and 5A All-State First Team.
A member of the 1,500-point club, Smith was chosen to participate in the Junior All-Star game for North Alabama and was named as the Most Valuable Player.
"Tamya is a very special player that I would consider one of the more slept-on players in the country. Her versatility and availability to play multiple positions is what sets her apart," head coach Alex Simmons said. "She is a great mismatch player offensively and has the ability to alter shots at the guard position. We are excited for the future at Memphis and Tamya's addition makes it much brighter."
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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