RUSTON, La. (Sept. 20, 2018) – The Louisiana Tech Track & Field program is gearing up for the 2019 indoor and outdoor seasons, which will feature several newcomers as the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters will welcome nearly 40 new faces to the team.
 
This year's signing class features student-athletes with some of the top-ranked marks in the state of Louisiana, Texas and Florida, as well as in the nation. The list of female newcomers below includes six marks ranked in the top five in Louisiana, seven of the top marks ranked in the top 25 in Texas and two ranked in the top 10 in the state of Florida. Of the 15 top rankings statewide, eight of those marks held by LA Tech newcomers ranked in the top 50 nationally.
 
"As a program, I think it was another very successful recruiting year for us," head coach Gary Stanley said of the incoming student-athletes. "One of our priorities was to add depth to the roster and I think the staff has done a fantastic job of putting together a great class that will help propel Louisiana Tech to the top of Conference USA."
 
Louisiana Tech Track & Field has boasted a rich history that includes a total of 25 conference championships and 78 All-Americans donning the red and blue for the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters. LA Tech is led by Stanley, now in his 37th season in Ruston and 31st as head coach, as well as associate head coach Wes Miller, and assistants Davina Orieukwu and Adam Malloy.
 
Over the next few weeks, LATechSports.com will spotlight the newcomers on this year's team, beginning with 13 new additions for the Lady Techsters. Overall, the 13 additions highlighted have put together impressive achievements both competitively and when it comes to excelling in the classroom. The student-athletes listed below combined for a 3.62 GPA throughout their prep careers prior to becoming Lady Techsters.  
RAVEN ALEXANDER
Jumps | Central HS | Baton Rouge, La.
 
Bio: Graduated from Central High School in 2018 … Has recorded a personal-best long jump of 18-5.5, which ranked as the No. 3 long jump in the state of Louisiana … Was the 2018 LHSAA 5A State Championship runner-up in the long jump … Ended her high school career with a 4.0 GPA.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech Track & Field not only because they have an amazing track and field program, but because the school offers academic programs that no other schools offer. When I first visited Louisiana Tech I received a warm welcome from my coaches and staff alike, and from then on I knew Tech would be my home away from home."
 
Coaches Comments: "I'm excited to add someone with Raven's competitiveness to the jumps group. She is someone that will push each member to be their best and in the process I believe she will grow a lot as an athlete!" – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
JADA BRANCH
Jumps/Sprints | Kaiserslautern HS | Kaiserslautern, Germany
 
Bio: Graduated high school in Germany in 2018 … Personal bests include: 40-2 (Triple Jump), 18-9.75 (Long Jump), 56.98 (400m), 45.38 (300m Hurdles) … Was crowned the champion of the 2018 Australia Down Under Games Under-20 in the triple jump … Also took home first place in the 2017 AAU Junior Olympic Games in the triple jump.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech for Track & Field because I loved how invested they were in their program. From my initial conversation on the telephone with Coach Miller, I could really tell that he was serious about his team and I loved that he has a passion for what he does. I'm excited to meet my new team, to see growth as an athlete, and it is crazy to say, but I'm excited for the workouts."
 
Coaches Comments: "I am so excited to bring someone of Jada's caliber onto the team. She is very talented in so many events, and I can't wait to see where her progress takes her. She has a great mindset and a determination that will help in building our team culture for years to come." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
KYRA COLLINS
Sprints | Dallas Hampton Preparatory | Dallas, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Hampton Preparatory in 2018 … Personal bests include: 12.00 (100m), 7.82 (60m), 25.38 (200m) … Her time of 12.00 in the 100m ranked No. 22 in the state of Texas … Was a finalist in the 100m at the 2018 UIL State Championship … Complete her high school career with a 3.59 GPA.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech because I really liked the program and the institution after I visited. I am most excited to improve in everything I do this season."
 
Coaches Comments: "Kyra just started focusing on the short sprints this past season and has come a long way fast. I am excited to watch her and the rest of the women sprinters work together this season. She's going to have a great year." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
MA'ASA GAY
Sprints | Wakulla HS | Crawfordville, Fla.
 
Bio: Graduated from Wakulla High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 55.50 (400m), 24.49 (200m), 12.33 (100m) … Her time of 55.50 in the 400m ranked fourth in the state of Florida and No. 46 overall in the United States, while her 200m time of 24.49 ranked sixth in Florida … Was a finalist in both the 200m and 400m at the 2018 FHSAA Outdoor State Championships … Finished her high school days with a 4.11 GPA.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "When I was choosing a college, I was looking for a school that would help me in more ways than one. At Louisiana Tech, I get multiple opportunities, whether it is in track or in the classroom. I am excited to be a part of the team. I would also like to be a part of the relay and see how far we can excel together."
 
Coaches Comments: "I believe Ma'asa is a very versatile sprinter that will help us in a number of ways next season. She will add strength to our relays as well as threaten in the open events with range from the 100m to the 400m. I was drawn towards her personal drive both on the track and in the classroom." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
PLEASANT HARRIS
Jumps/Sprints | Houston King HS | Houston, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Houston King High School in 2018 … Recorded a personal-best long jump of 19-2 in high school, which ranked ninth in the state of Texas and No. 49 overall in the United States … Was a finalist in the long jump at the 2018 UIL 6A Track & Field Championships … Finished her high school career with a 3.23 GPA.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech because it was the perfect fit. Pursuing my career in college is special. My goals for this season are to personally push myself and also to meet and get to know my teammates. I want our years of running together to be historic and epic."
 
Coaches Comments: "Pleasant had a great senior year and has worked with some great coaches back home. She will join an already deep returning women's jumps group. I am excited to get to work with her and see how she grows over the next four years" – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
ALEXIS JONES
Throws | Queen Creek HS | San Tan Valley, Ariz.
 
Bio: Graduated from Queen Creek High School in 2018 … Was the Arizona State Division II Girls High School Shot Put Champion with a throw of 45-6 … Was also the girl's shot put champion at the 2018 Great Southwest Classic with a throw of 44-3.5 … Also competes in the discus and javelin throw.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech Track and Field partly due to their Division I athletics program, but also for the community and their dedication to wanting to see their athletes succeed as students as well. I am very excited about making new connections and experiences that I will learn from and cherish."
 
Coaches Comments: "Alexis is going to bring a lot of talent to the team. Her hard work and dedication to the sport of track is evident and she has the tools to really make an immediate impact on the team and in the conference. We are lucky to have her here at Louisiana Tech." – Assistant Coach Davina Orieukwu  
KORI JONES
Sprints/Hurdles | Dallas Hampton Preparatory | Dallas, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Dallas Hampton Preparatory in 2018 … Posted a personal-best time of 47.17 in the 300m hurdles … Was a finalist in the 300m hurdles at the 2018 UIL Regional Meet … Finished her high school days with a 3.5 GPA in the classroom.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "After visiting the campus it felt like my home because of the atmosphere and the students were very welcoming and friendly. After meeting with Coach Miller, I felt as though he understood me best as an athlete and I believe I am going to excel under his leadership. I am most excited about pursuing my degree, becoming part of a new track team and representing LA Tech as a student-athlete."
 
Coaches Comments: "Kori is going to turn a lot of heads this coming season. She was one hurdle away from a phenomenal time this past year and I am excited to help her reach her goals. She will help push the other hurdlers and I believe will work herself into a scoring spot." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
JAZZMIN KIM
Jumps/Sprints | Conroe HS | Conroe, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Conroe High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 38-3 (Triple Jump), 17-11 (Long Jump), 12.30 (100m) … Her triple jump mark of 38-3 ranked 18^th in the state of Texas … Was a finalist in both the 4x100 and triple jump at the 2018 UIL 6A Regional Meet … Posted a 3.75 GPA throughout her high school career.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech because I feel like I had a better opportunity to further my success in my track & field career here. My goals for this upcoming season are to compete every day and jump further and further each meet and practice."
 
Coaches Comments: "I was fortunate to get to watch Jazzmin compete at several meets this year. She is a competitor and I think she has only scratched the surface in both the jumps and sprints. – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
JZNAE KIM
Jumps/Sprints | Conroe HS | Conroe, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Conroe High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 41-2 (Triple Jump), 19-3.75 (Long Jump), 12.18 (100m), 24.81 (200m) … Her triple jump mark of 41-2 ranked second in the state of Texas and No. 41 overall in the United States, while her mark of 19-3.75 in the long jump ranked sixth in Texas and No. 41 in the nation … Three-time finalist at the UIL 6A Track & Field Championships in the triple jump and long jump … Posted a 3.78 GPA over the course of her high school career.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I felt like I could be a great asset for the team and part of building the team. My goals are to do great things as a student athlete with my school work in the classroom and also the work I will be putting in on the track."
 
Coaches Comments: "I'm extremely excited to get to coach Jznae. She is extremely raw in both jumps and sprints and I believe she will be competing deep into each postseason. She is going to make a huge impact on this program for years to come." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
JAMAIAH SATRA
Sprints/Hurdles | Jersey Village HS | Houston, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Jersey Village High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 61.88 (400m Hurdles), 44.04 (300m Hurdles), 57.56 (400m) … Her time of 44.04 in the 300m hurdles ranked 14^th in the state of Texas … Was the runner-up in the 2018 UIL 6A Area Meet in the 300m hurdles … Was a finalist in the 400m hurdles at eth 2017 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships … Posted a 3.5 GPA during her high school days.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose Louisiana Tech because it really felt like home and I felt like I could really grow in the program. I am most excited for this upcoming season and to outwork everyone in my event and to come out on top."
 
Coaches Comments: "I'm confident Jamaiah will make an immediate impact on this team. Her drive and enthusiasm is contagious and she will add depth to a strong event group in the intermediate hurdles." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller
  LEAH SCOTT
Jumps | Dutchtown HS | Geismar, La.
 
Bio: Graduated from Dutchtown High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 40-1.25 (Triple Jump) and 18-11 (Long Jump) … Her mark of 40-1.25 in the triple jump ranked No. 1 in the state of Louisiana and No. 31 in the nation, while her long jump mark also ranked No. 1 in the state of Louisiana … 14-time LHSAA 5A state championship qualifier … Five-time LHSAA 5A Long Jump State Champion … Three-time LHSAA 5A Triple Jump State Champion … Posted a perfect 4.0 GPA over the course of her high school career.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose LA Tech for track & field because it felt like a place I can grow over the next four years. To have a talented group of athletes to push me and coaching behind me is everything. I am excited for a lot of things this year, but I am most excited be in a track environment where everyone is top level."
 
Coaches Comments: "Leah is one of the best dual event jumpers to come out of Louisiana in some time and I believe she fits in perfectly with our program. I was thrilled when she signed because she exemplifies a true student-athlete." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
DARIA STEWART
Sprints | Lancaster HS | Lancaster, Texas
 
Bio: Graduated from Lancaster High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 11.67 (100m) and 7.87 (60m) … Her time of 11.67 in the 100m ranked eighth in the state of Texas and No. 22 nationally … Was the runner-up in the 4x200 relay at the 2018 UIL 5A State Championship, while she was also part of the 4x100 relay team that was a finalist at the state championship in 2018 … Posted a 3.53 GPA over the course of her high school days.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I chose LA Tech Track & Field because I felt like it was the best match for my personality. I am excited that I get to further my track career at the Division I level, as well as build a bond with my teammates for the next four years."
 
Coaches Comments: "Daria will bring a high level of competition and experience to the team after having run in the UIL State Finals for her team on multiple occasions. Her times speak for themselves, but having watched her lead-off splits on the relay, I am excited about the future of our women's sprint program." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller
   
CLAUDESHA WATSON
Sprints | Northside HS | Lafayette, La.
 
Bio: Graduated from Northside High School in 2018 … Personal bests include: 7.60 (60m), 11.75 (100m) and 24.46 (200m) … Her time of 7.60 in the 60m ranked No. 1 in Louisiana and No. 21 nationally, while she ranked second in the state in the 100m (No. 35 in U.S.) and the 200m dash … 12-time LHSAA State Championship qualifier … Three-time LHSAA State Champion … Posted a 3.92 GPA during her high school career.
 
On joining the LA Tech family: "I looked at the history of producing professional athletes and I felt like Louisiana Tech would benefit me the most. They were also welcoming on the visit and I felt at home. I am excited to see my progression and to meet new people and form great bonds with my teammates and coaches."
 
Coaches Comments: "Claudesha follows a long line of great in-state female sprinters to attend LA Tech. She will play a huge role in our relays and has the potential to score major points for this team. She has huge personal goals and I can't wait to work with her." – Associate Head Coach Wes Miller  
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