News Summary
Alasia Smith, a former standout player for the Memphis women’s basketball team, has been appointed as an assistant coach and director of basketball operations for the Gardner-Webb women’s basketball program. Smith’s successful collegiate career included significant achievements at Gardner-Webb and Memphis, where she was recognized for her defensive skills. Her transition from player to coach represents a full-circle moment, allowing her to influence the next generation of players. In related news, Tanyuel Welch from Memphis has joined Arizona’s women’s basketball roster.
BOILING SPRINGS, NC – Alasia Smith, a former standout player for the Memphis women’s basketball team, has been appointed as an assistant coach and director of basketball operations for the Gardner-Webb women’s basketball program. The university announced Smith’s hiring on May 15, 2025, marking a significant step in her career as she transitions from player to coach.
Smith, originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, enjoyed a successful collegiate playing career spanning several years. She spent three years at Gardner-Webb, where she played under current Memphis head coach Alex Simmons. During her time at Gardner-Webb, she contributed significantly to the team’s winning record of 56-33 and was instrumental in capturing the 2023 Big Sky Championship.
A notable defensive player, Smith earned recognition as Gardner-Webb’s first defensive player of the year in the 2022-23 season, averaging 3.6 steals per game which positioned her second across all of Division I in that category. Following her tenure at Gardner-Webb, Smith continued to excel at Memphis after coach Simmons took the helm of the program in April 2023. She made a smooth transition, demonstrating her defensive skills by being named to the 2023-24 AAC All-Newcomer Team and receiving All-Conference Second Team honors. Additionally, she was selected for the first All-Defense Team in the 2024-25 season, further solidifying her exceptional talent on the court.
During her final collegiate season, Smith achieved a remarkable statistical feat, becoming the first player since Gabby Williams of UConn in 2016-17 to rank in the top five of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for both blocks and steals. Her averages of 1.3 blocks and 2.3 steals per game played a crucial role in her recognition. Over her collegiate career, she concluded with 405 career steals, placing her 33rd in that category at the collegiate level, and 1,336 career rebounds, ranking her 46th. Smith made history on March 1 by becoming one of only three players in women’s college basketball history to record over 1,200 rebounds and 400 steals, joining notable players like Angel McCoughtry and Cheryl Miller.
Coach Simmons acknowledged his pride in Smith’s pursuit of coaching, citing her impactful contributions to both the Memphis and Gardner-Webb programs and emphasizing the importance of mentorship she received from former coach Williams. This transition back to Gardner-Webb represents a full-circle moment for Smith, empowering her to influence the next generation of players with her extensive knowledge.
In related news, Tanyuel Welch, another standout talent from Memphis, has recently joined the Arizona Women’s Basketball 2025-26 roster. Welch had a notable season with Memphis in 2024-25, playing all 29 games, starting in 24, and averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Her impressive performance put her among three players in the AAC to average at least 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Welch’s return from a torn ACL, which caused her to redshirt the 2023-24 season, was remarkable, as she quickly made an impact upon her return. She delivered standout performances, including a notable 21-point, nine-rebound game against East Carolina and similar scoring feats against UAB. Further notable highlights included a strong showing against No. 18 Tennessee and a career-high seven assists in a win against Ball State.
Prior to her collegiate career, Welch excelled at North Central High School, where she scored over 1,000 points. Her previous accolades include First Team All-State honors and a selection to the Indiana All-Star Team, showcasing her talent and potential as a rising star in women’s basketball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Memphis Women’s Basketball: Smith Joins Gardner-Webb
- Wikipedia: Women’s Basketball
- Arizona Women’s Basketball: Adds Tanyuel Welch
- Google Search: Alasia Smith
- ECU Pirates Women’s Basketball: Defeats Memphis
- Google Scholar: Women’s Basketball Coaching
- Memphis Women’s Basketball: Coaching Changes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball History
