MIAMI (Nov. 13, 2020) – With the 2020-21 season on the horizon, the FIU women's basketball program and first-year head coach
Jesyka Burks-Wiley turned their attention to the future on Friday as a trio of Panthers were welcomed into the fold.
The 2021 class of Zaida Gonzalez, Tanajah Hayes and Elly Morgan signed with FIU, bringing a renewed enthusiasm to the program.
"Our 2021 recruiting class is another big step in the right direction for FIU women's basketball," Burks-Wiley said. "These three young ladies embody what it means to be a Panther: great player, great student, and most importantly a great person. I can't wait for them to be on campus this upcoming fall!"
Zaida Gonzalez (Guard | West Palm Beach, Florida | Palm Beach Lakes Community HS | Florida Girls Basketball)
Athletic Honors: Averaged 14.1 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 steals during junior campaign… Named First Team All-Conference, First Team All-County PBC Hoops, Palm Beach Post Second Team All-County Select, and Second Team All-County for her junior season performance …2019 All-Tournament Jr. Orange Bowl Classic… Land Rover Palm Beach Player of the Week in 2020… Surpassed 1000 career points during junior season… Helped lead Palm Beach Lakes to a District Championship, Regional Championship, and a Florida state 7A semi-final appearance in 2020… SUTS tournament MVP 2018...Participated in Track and Field for two years and anchored the state meet qualifier 4x100m relay both years… 400-meter dash district champion for 2019... Flag Football First Team All-County 2017 and 2018
Why Gonzalez Chose FIU: "I decided FIU because they pitched a great vision for me to be part of a new turn around for the program. They also were patient with me and spent a long time recruiting me and showing their strong interest. As the competitive player that I am, with a chip on my shoulder, I believe this program fits me well. I want to help change the culture and lead this team into being a true competitor in Conference USA. I am really excited to further my training with the FIU WBB coaching staff and, in addition, get my education specializing in Sports Psychology and Sport Management."
Coach Burks's Scouting Report: "We are ecstatic that we are able to keep a talent of Zaida's magnitude home. Zaida's work ethic and ability to score the ball at all three levels will be much appreciated during her four years here. I'm excited the community she knows and loves will be able to get a front-row seat as well."
Gonzalez plans to major in Psychology.
Tanajah Hayes (Guard | Charlotte, North Carolina | Julius L. Chambers HS | Team Curry)
Athletic Honors: Averaged 10.4 ppg, 4.6 assists and 3.4 steals during junior campaign… Surpassed 1000 points during junior season… three-time All-Conference Mecka 4A … three-time team MVP…holds career steals record at Chambers (formerly Vance) High School…led Chambers to a share of the state championship in 2020 (season ended prior to championship game being played due to Covid-19)…2018 All-Conference Mecka 4A in softball.
Why Tanajah Chose FIU: "I chose FIU because they believed in my skills as a point guard and they saw that I could really help their program win. Every time we talked, they made me feel comfortable and welcomed like I was always a part of the family."
Coach Burks's Scouting Report: "Tanajah is a true point guard, which is very hard to find these days. She will make her teammates look great on the offensive end. She is a solid shooter from mid-range and three, and we know she will continue to grow as a shooter in college. Along with her speed and athleticism, Tanajah will bring IQ and charisma, which is necessary in that position and for our style of play."
Hayes plans to major in Psychology.
Elly Morgan (Guard | Melbourne, Australia | Avila College | Dandenong Rangers)
Athletic Honors: Won the Bronze at the U20 Australian Championships where she represented Victoria… Placed 1st with the Dandenong Rangers for both the U18 Victorian Championships and Victorian Youth Championships Women
Why Elly Chose FIU: "I chose FIU as I instantly could tell the coaches were all genuine and lovely people who would ensure that I have the best experience at FIU, both athletically and academically. The fast-paced style of play that the Panthers want to play by also compliments my game, and the coaches' values and views both on and off the court were something that I completely agreed with. The location also had a large impact on my choice, as the warm climate and exciting city definitely made the decision easier to make. I couldn't find a fault in either the school or their basketball program, and that's why I decided FIU was the school for me."
Coach Burks's Scouting Report: "Elly will provide lightning quickness and IQ on both sides of the ball for our program. She is incredibly tough to contain going downhill and brings that same speed and grit on the defensive side of the ball as well. She will be a big difference-maker for us in our press defenses. I look forward to her being a tough matchup for teams we face."
Morgan is currently undecided academically.
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