University of Memphis Athletics
Simmons Adds Alasia Smith for Upcoming Season
Apr 23, 2023 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Head Memphis women's basketball coach Alex Simmons has added another Tennessee native to her roster in Alasia Smith for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Smith, a 5-10 forward out of Johnson City, Tenn., comes to Memphis after three seasons at Gardner-Webb with Simmons. Smith was part of the historic 2022-23 team that saw the Runnin' Bulldogs finish with a 29-5 overall record, including a perfect 18-0 mark in Big South play for the regular and conference championships and was named as the Big South's Defensive Player of the Year – the first ever from GWU.
"Alasia is a true Tennessee native and comes from a strong family pedigree," said Simmons. "She has an unmatched motor and versatility that is extremely rare and is a huge addition for us. I've known Alasia a very long time and her will to win and ability to lead a team on the court is something that sets her apart."
A Big South First Team All-Conference selection, Smith was ranked second in Division I and led the league in steals (108) and steals per game (3.6). She also ranked third on the team in scoring average last season and surpassed 1,000 career points after averaging around 13.5 points per game. She was also second on the team in rebounding and led the team with 37 blocks this past season.
Smith has recorded 28 double-doubles in her career and nearly missed a triple-double this past season with 17 points, nine rebounds and eight steals.
Smith joins former Gardner-Webb teammates Ki'Ari Cain and Layken Cox as they make their way to the Bluff City.
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.
Smith, a 5-10 forward out of Johnson City, Tenn., comes to Memphis after three seasons at Gardner-Webb with Simmons. Smith was part of the historic 2022-23 team that saw the Runnin' Bulldogs finish with a 29-5 overall record, including a perfect 18-0 mark in Big South play for the regular and conference championships and was named as the Big South's Defensive Player of the Year – the first ever from GWU.
"Alasia is a true Tennessee native and comes from a strong family pedigree," said Simmons. "She has an unmatched motor and versatility that is extremely rare and is a huge addition for us. I've known Alasia a very long time and her will to win and ability to lead a team on the court is something that sets her apart."
A Big South First Team All-Conference selection, Smith was ranked second in Division I and led the league in steals (108) and steals per game (3.6). She also ranked third on the team in scoring average last season and surpassed 1,000 career points after averaging around 13.5 points per game. She was also second on the team in rebounding and led the team with 37 blocks this past season.
Smith has recorded 28 double-doubles in her career and nearly missed a triple-double this past season with 17 points, nine rebounds and eight steals.
Smith joins former Gardner-Webb teammates Ki'Ari Cain and Layken Cox as they make their way to the Bluff City.
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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