@LATechWBB Seniors Set for Home Finale
3/6/2019 3:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Techsters host UAB at 6:30 p.m. Thursday
RUSTON, La. – When Louisiana Tech's four seniors step on the Thomas Assembly Center floor Thursday night to face UAB in the regular season Conference USA finale, it will mark their final collegiate game in Ruston.
Tipoff for the contest which can be seen on ESPN+ is set for 6:30 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will take place prior to the game at 6:15 p.m.
Kierra Anthony, Reauna Cleaver, Taylor Stahly and Zhanae Whitney all traveled separate roads on their way to wearing Columbia blue, but each one of these Lady Techsters ultimately earned the same opportunity … to play for one of the most storied programs in the history of the game.
"I have been proud to have had the opportunity to coach this group of seniors and watch them develop as young women," said Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr, who wore the same jersey and played on the same floor during her collegiate days. "Each of them is unique in their own right and has brought something special to the program. They have represented Ruston, Louisiana Tech, and the Lady Techster program well during their careers."
Anthony and Cleaver signed with Tech coming out of high school and have lettered for four years in Ruston. Stahly and Whitney both played two years on the junior college level before making the transition to the Division I level.
All four of them have seen their share of special moments in Ruston. They have also faced adversity. It's the combination of the highs and the lows that has ultimately allowed the four student-athletes to grow as individuals on and off the court.
"Through everything, I have learned a lot about myself as a player and a person," said Anthony, who will graduate in May in kinesiology and health promotions. "As a player I've learned that if you give it your all, then regardless of the outcome, you won't have any regrets. Being loyal to your teammates and sticking together is key. Also hard work and being focus produces success.
"As a person I've learned to pray about everything. I believe that prayer really does change things. I've learned that you can do anything you want to do as long as you work for it daily because nothing worth having in life will come easy or be handed to you."
Anthony has started exactly 100 games in her four years in Ruston and will end her career ranked somewhere among the greatest scorers in Lady Techster history. After averaging double figures as a sophomore and junior, she elevated her game this year and enters the final week of the regular season as the nation's No. 4 scorer at 23.6 points per contest. She will also be a 3-time all-conference selection.
"My time here has meant a lot to me," said Anthony. "To play for this special program means a lot because not everyone gets that opportunity. I'm glad that I was given the chance to play at a program like this. It's been incredible."
Cleaver was a part of the same signing class as Anthony. Coming out of Elizabethtown High School in Kentucky, the 6-foot-2-inch forward was an immediate part of the big picture for Tech, starting 12 games as a freshman.
"My time at Tech has been a life-changing experience in so many ways," said the young lady that fans affectionately call Sweets. "I've loved every minute of it. It has helped me grow into the person I am today. I can't thank God enough for bringing me here when he did."
She saw her most success as a sophomore when she averaged 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and shot over 50 percent from the field. Despite numerous injuries slowing her down during the past two years, Sweets has nothing but positive memories of her days as a Lady Techster.
"I've had some great moments here," said Cleaver, who will graduate in sociology next year. "Being so far away from home, I'm beyond grateful for the all the amazing people that I have met and that I can now call family. I love the loyal fans, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to wear Lady Techsters across my chest for four years. Thanks to an amazing program."
Stahly has made the absolute most of her two years at Tech. After earning academic all-American honors at Hutchinson, she made the transition to the Division level and didn't miss a beat – and sometimes rarely missed a three-pointer. The Newton, Kansas, native will leave as the program's No. 4 all-time leader in three-pointers made.
"My time as a Lady Techster has been a blessing," said Stahly, who will graduate in May in kinesiology and health promotions. "Throughout my two years here, I have met teammates that will be my forever family, been coached by the best coaching staff I have ever had, and learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. I have learned how to embrace and celebrate the little moments with teammates. I have learned how to battle through adversity and never give up. But most importantly, I've learned that I am so blessed to be able to do what I love to do each and every day."
Stahly, who set a LA Tech record by making at least one three-pointer in 39 straight games to start her career, has not only scorched the nets, but she has been perfect in the classroom, posting a 4.0 grade point average. She became the first Techster to earn C-USA All-Academic honors last year and should repeat the honor in the coming days.
"Getting to say that I played in one of the most historic programs in all of women's basketball is nothing short of a dream come true," said Stahly. "I am forever grateful to Coach Brooke for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something that is so much bigger than myself."
Whitney's story might be even more heart-warming. After playing two years at Collins County Community College, she signed with the Lady Techsters and this May will become the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree.
"My time at Louisiana Tech has been full of opportunities, obstacles and achievements," said Whitney, who will earn her bachelor's degree in sociology. "I have grown as a person and basketball player during my two years at Louisiana Tech. Committing to Louisiana Tech was huge for me because I went from playing at the junior college level to playing at the Division I level. Coming to Tech was the best decision for me because I accomplished goals no one in my family had ever done."
The Queens, New York, native has seen action in all 59 games over the last two years for Tech, including making 32 starts. While playing on a guard-oriented team this her senior season, she has shot a team-high 58 percent from the field and seen her averages in both points and rebounds increase.
"I've met plenty of loyal, intelligent, and talented individuals along the way," said Whitney. "Playing, fighting and giving my best these last two years has really help me develop and grow as a person. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single moment for what it was. I love Louisiana Tech. I want to thank every person who made this opportunity possible for me."
These four Lady Techsters have one last opportunity to play in front of the Thomas Assembly Center faithful on Thursday night against a 23-win UAB team. It's their opportunity to leave everything on the court one last time in Ruston.
"I appreciate this group and the sacrifices and commitment they have made to help this program be successful," said Stoehr. "We celebrate their accomplishments and applaud them for their efforts on and off the court. I look forward to watching how they impact others as they move on to the next phase of their lives."
Tipoff for the contest which can be seen on ESPN+ is set for 6:30 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will take place prior to the game at 6:15 p.m.
Kierra Anthony, Reauna Cleaver, Taylor Stahly and Zhanae Whitney all traveled separate roads on their way to wearing Columbia blue, but each one of these Lady Techsters ultimately earned the same opportunity … to play for one of the most storied programs in the history of the game.
"I have been proud to have had the opportunity to coach this group of seniors and watch them develop as young women," said Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr, who wore the same jersey and played on the same floor during her collegiate days. "Each of them is unique in their own right and has brought something special to the program. They have represented Ruston, Louisiana Tech, and the Lady Techster program well during their careers."
Anthony and Cleaver signed with Tech coming out of high school and have lettered for four years in Ruston. Stahly and Whitney both played two years on the junior college level before making the transition to the Division I level.
All four of them have seen their share of special moments in Ruston. They have also faced adversity. It's the combination of the highs and the lows that has ultimately allowed the four student-athletes to grow as individuals on and off the court.
"Through everything, I have learned a lot about myself as a player and a person," said Anthony, who will graduate in May in kinesiology and health promotions. "As a player I've learned that if you give it your all, then regardless of the outcome, you won't have any regrets. Being loyal to your teammates and sticking together is key. Also hard work and being focus produces success.
"As a person I've learned to pray about everything. I believe that prayer really does change things. I've learned that you can do anything you want to do as long as you work for it daily because nothing worth having in life will come easy or be handed to you."
Anthony has started exactly 100 games in her four years in Ruston and will end her career ranked somewhere among the greatest scorers in Lady Techster history. After averaging double figures as a sophomore and junior, she elevated her game this year and enters the final week of the regular season as the nation's No. 4 scorer at 23.6 points per contest. She will also be a 3-time all-conference selection.
"My time here has meant a lot to me," said Anthony. "To play for this special program means a lot because not everyone gets that opportunity. I'm glad that I was given the chance to play at a program like this. It's been incredible."
Cleaver was a part of the same signing class as Anthony. Coming out of Elizabethtown High School in Kentucky, the 6-foot-2-inch forward was an immediate part of the big picture for Tech, starting 12 games as a freshman.
"My time at Tech has been a life-changing experience in so many ways," said the young lady that fans affectionately call Sweets. "I've loved every minute of it. It has helped me grow into the person I am today. I can't thank God enough for bringing me here when he did."
She saw her most success as a sophomore when she averaged 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and shot over 50 percent from the field. Despite numerous injuries slowing her down during the past two years, Sweets has nothing but positive memories of her days as a Lady Techster.
"I've had some great moments here," said Cleaver, who will graduate in sociology next year. "Being so far away from home, I'm beyond grateful for the all the amazing people that I have met and that I can now call family. I love the loyal fans, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to wear Lady Techsters across my chest for four years. Thanks to an amazing program."
Stahly has made the absolute most of her two years at Tech. After earning academic all-American honors at Hutchinson, she made the transition to the Division level and didn't miss a beat – and sometimes rarely missed a three-pointer. The Newton, Kansas, native will leave as the program's No. 4 all-time leader in three-pointers made.
"My time as a Lady Techster has been a blessing," said Stahly, who will graduate in May in kinesiology and health promotions. "Throughout my two years here, I have met teammates that will be my forever family, been coached by the best coaching staff I have ever had, and learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. I have learned how to embrace and celebrate the little moments with teammates. I have learned how to battle through adversity and never give up. But most importantly, I've learned that I am so blessed to be able to do what I love to do each and every day."
Stahly, who set a LA Tech record by making at least one three-pointer in 39 straight games to start her career, has not only scorched the nets, but she has been perfect in the classroom, posting a 4.0 grade point average. She became the first Techster to earn C-USA All-Academic honors last year and should repeat the honor in the coming days.
"Getting to say that I played in one of the most historic programs in all of women's basketball is nothing short of a dream come true," said Stahly. "I am forever grateful to Coach Brooke for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something that is so much bigger than myself."
Whitney's story might be even more heart-warming. After playing two years at Collins County Community College, she signed with the Lady Techsters and this May will become the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree.
"My time at Louisiana Tech has been full of opportunities, obstacles and achievements," said Whitney, who will earn her bachelor's degree in sociology. "I have grown as a person and basketball player during my two years at Louisiana Tech. Committing to Louisiana Tech was huge for me because I went from playing at the junior college level to playing at the Division I level. Coming to Tech was the best decision for me because I accomplished goals no one in my family had ever done."
The Queens, New York, native has seen action in all 59 games over the last two years for Tech, including making 32 starts. While playing on a guard-oriented team this her senior season, she has shot a team-high 58 percent from the field and seen her averages in both points and rebounds increase.
"I've met plenty of loyal, intelligent, and talented individuals along the way," said Whitney. "Playing, fighting and giving my best these last two years has really help me develop and grow as a person. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single moment for what it was. I love Louisiana Tech. I want to thank every person who made this opportunity possible for me."
These four Lady Techsters have one last opportunity to play in front of the Thomas Assembly Center faithful on Thursday night against a 23-win UAB team. It's their opportunity to leave everything on the court one last time in Ruston.
"I appreciate this group and the sacrifices and commitment they have made to help this program be successful," said Stoehr. "We celebrate their accomplishments and applaud them for their efforts on and off the court. I look forward to watching how they impact others as they move on to the next phase of their lives."
Players Mentioned
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