UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women's basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger has announced the additions of graduate transfer Nia Staples and incoming freshman Shay Hagans to the 2019-20 Lady Lion roster.
Staples will be eligible immediately and comes to Penn State after earning her bachelor's degree at West Virginia. Staples will have two years of eligibility while she pursues a master's degree in mental health counseling. Hagans rounds out a five-member freshman class and plans to study cybersecurity analytics and operations. Both Lady Lions have reported to campus for the start of the fall semester.
#3 Nia Staples
5-8 Guard | Cincinnati, Ohio | Lakota West High School | West Virginia University
- Graduated from West Virginia in three years with a bachelor's degree in sport and exercise psychology. Redshirted her freshman season in 2016-17 before seeing game action in both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.
- Played in 33 games as a Mountaineer, totaling 43 points, 31 rebounds, 19 assists, 12 steals and 246 minutes.
- Rated as the nation's No. 27 point guard in her class coming out of high school by ESPN HoopGurlz.
- Guided Lakota West High School to a 93-13 record during her four years, including a 38-game win streak. Finished her high school career with 1,270 points, 400 rebounds, 209 steals and a program-record 268 assists.
- Put together an outstanding senior year, averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.6 percent from the field. Led team to a 26-2 record as a senior and was named the 2016 Associate Press Ohio Co-Player of the Year. Lakota West finished third in the Ohio Associated Press Poll and 15th in the ESPNW national rankings during her senior year.
- Wrapped up high school career as a three-time first team All-Conference honoree and was an Ohio nominee for the McDonald's All-American game. Guided high school squad to its first state championship in 23 years in 2015 in addition to district and regional championships.
- Earned invitation to USA Basketball U17 Team trials in 2014. Won an AAU National Title with the Cincinnati Angels in 2013.
Personal: Full name is Nia MarKayla Staples…Daughter of Mark and Ja-Rhonda Staples…Has a twin brother named Ja'Lon…Pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling while at Penn State…Born on August 28, 1997 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Why Nia Chose Penn State: "I chose Penn state because I saw an opportunity to gain a valuable education as a graduate transfer student-athlete and to be a part of a well-respected women's basketball program and a staff that prides itself on developing players not only on the court but off the court. My decision to be a part of the Penn State family is definitely attributed to the high values that Coach Kieger, Coach Boggess, and the entire coaching staff expressed in their faith seeing my ability to contribute to a program and a team built on tradition, hard work and excellence. I recall during my several telephone conversations before making my official visit that I immediately felt the love and genuineness and sincerity in both Coach Kieger and Coach Boggess' voices. Once I arrived for my official visit, the entire coaching and support staff were so very welcoming and, in my heart, I knew it was the right fit for me. Because Coach Kieger has such a love and strong passion for the game, I was convinced that she would help me to get to the next level of my game. Starting new at Penn State is my opportunity to build great and long-lasting relationships with my new team and coaches that will grow while on the court and once the ball drops. I am looking forward to this new faith journey."
Kieger on Staples: "Nia comes to us with tremendous experience and will be an immediate impact on the court and in the locker room. Her intangibles as a person, student, and player will be a great representation of Penn State Athletics. Additionally, she can affect the game on both ends of the floor. Her ability to stretch the court and make her teammates better will help take our program to another level."
#23 Shay Hagans
5-6 Guard | Manassas, Va. | Osbourn Park High School | Fairfax Stars
- Graduated as Osbourn Park's all-time leading scorer with 1,420 career points.
- Earned All-Conference and Team MVP honors in all four years of her high school career.
- Two-time team captain who led high school squad to four district championships.
- Osbourn Park went 57-23 during her four seasons.
- Named Player of the Year as a junior and senior.
Personal: Full name is Sha'Lynn Hagans…Daughter of Debra Hagans…Has one brother named Tyree…Intended major at Penn State is cybersecurity analytics and operations…Born on July 12, 2001 in Lewes, Delaware.
Why Shay Chose Penn State: "I chose Penn State because it felt like home the entire time during my official visit. It's such a diverse school where everyone connects very well. I can't wait for the journey with these amazing coaches and teammates!"
Kieger on Hagans: "We are thrilled to welcome Shay into our family. She is a fierce competitor who has elite speed. Her vision and ability to play in our up-tempo system was an immediate attraction to our staff. Shay will fit well into our system as a player, but more importantly, she will better our program as a teammate and person."