University of Memphis Athletics
Nov 11, 2026 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis women's basketball head coach Hana Haden announced the signing of four student-athletes to the Tigers' 2027 recruiting class on Wednesday. The class features guards Ashanti Taylor (Monroe, N.C.) and Bella Rose Austin (Memphis, Tenn.), along with forward Bri'Asia Rowe (Charlotte, N.C.) and guard/forward Kaylei Thornton (Frisco, Texas).
The four newcomers bring a combination of size, athleticism, versatility and scoring ability to the Memphis program.
"We are very excited to welcome Ashanti, Bella Rose, Bri'Asia and Kaylei to the Tiger family," Haden said. "We were seeking length, versatility, athleticism, high character and young women who are excited to represent Memphis in this recruiting class, and we were able to check each of the boxes in these young women."
Ashanti Taylor | Guard | Monroe, N.C. | Porter Ridge HS
Taylor joins the Tigers from Porter Ridge High School in Monroe, N.C., where she has been a standout performer throughout her three seasons of varsity basketball.
The dynamic guard has averaged at least 18 points per game in each of her three varsity seasons, highlighted by an impressive sophomore campaign in which she averaged 31.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.5 steals per contest. Taylor also averaged 7.4 rebounds as a freshman and 8.5 as a junior.
During her freshman season in 2023-24, Taylor helped lead the Pirates to a 20-7 overall record, a share of the Southern Carolina 4A Conference championship and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs. Her efforts earned her conference Player of the Year honors.
"Ashanti Taylor is a point guard who can both score and distribute," Haden said. "She has elite court vision, and her size at the point guard position helps her in both her playmaking and defensive abilities."
Bella Rose Austin | Guard | Memphis, Tenn. | Harding Academy
A Memphis native, Austin will remain in her hometown after a successful high school career at Harding Academy of Memphis.
Austin has competed at the varsity level for three seasons, establishing herself as a scoring threat and strong rebounder from the guard position. During her junior campaign, she averaged 10.2 rebounds per game while earning Second Team All-Metro recognition from The Commercial Appeal. She also earned All-Tournament Team honors during her high school career.
Austin comes from an athletic family, as her older brother, Calvin Austin III, played football at Memphis before advancing to the NFL.
"Bella Rose has developed into a proven scorer in high school and is an extremely hard worker with tremendous upside," Haden said.
Bri'Asia Rowe | Forward | Charlotte, N.C. | South Mecklenburg HS
Rowe comes to Memphis from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C., bringing an athletic and versatile presence to the Tigers' frontcourt.
In her sophomore varsity season, Rowe averaged 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Known for her explosiveness and high motor, Rowe adds another athletic option to the Memphis lineup.
"Bri'Asia Rowe is an elite athlete with incredible versatility and motor," Haden said. "She has attempted dunks in multiple games, and I look forward to her completing one in a Tiger uniform."
Kaylei Thornton | Guard/Forward | Frisco, Texas | Wakeland HS
Thornton joins the Tigers from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, where she has been a key contributor to the Lady Wolverines' success over three varsity seasons.
As a junior, Thornton averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.2 assists per game while adding nearly one block per contest. Her efforts helped lead Wakeland to its second consecutive District 12-5A championship and earned her District 12-5A Co-Most Valuable Player honors.
With Thornton playing a key role, the Lady Wolverines consistently climbed into the top 10 of the Texas Girls Coaches Association state rankings.
Thornton also established herself as a perimeter shooting threat on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit.
"Kaylei Thornton was one of the best shooters on the EYBL circuit," Haden said. "Her size and ability to space the floor for us will be extremely valuable."
Season tickets for the 2026-27 Memphis women's basketball season are on sale now and can be purchased here.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The four newcomers bring a combination of size, athleticism, versatility and scoring ability to the Memphis program.
"We are very excited to welcome Ashanti, Bella Rose, Bri'Asia and Kaylei to the Tiger family," Haden said. "We were seeking length, versatility, athleticism, high character and young women who are excited to represent Memphis in this recruiting class, and we were able to check each of the boxes in these young women."
Ashanti Taylor | Guard | Monroe, N.C. | Porter Ridge HS
Taylor joins the Tigers from Porter Ridge High School in Monroe, N.C., where she has been a standout performer throughout her three seasons of varsity basketball.
The dynamic guard has averaged at least 18 points per game in each of her three varsity seasons, highlighted by an impressive sophomore campaign in which she averaged 31.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.5 steals per contest. Taylor also averaged 7.4 rebounds as a freshman and 8.5 as a junior.
During her freshman season in 2023-24, Taylor helped lead the Pirates to a 20-7 overall record, a share of the Southern Carolina 4A Conference championship and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs. Her efforts earned her conference Player of the Year honors.
"Ashanti Taylor is a point guard who can both score and distribute," Haden said. "She has elite court vision, and her size at the point guard position helps her in both her playmaking and defensive abilities."
Bella Rose Austin | Guard | Memphis, Tenn. | Harding Academy
A Memphis native, Austin will remain in her hometown after a successful high school career at Harding Academy of Memphis.
Austin has competed at the varsity level for three seasons, establishing herself as a scoring threat and strong rebounder from the guard position. During her junior campaign, she averaged 10.2 rebounds per game while earning Second Team All-Metro recognition from The Commercial Appeal. She also earned All-Tournament Team honors during her high school career.
Austin comes from an athletic family, as her older brother, Calvin Austin III, played football at Memphis before advancing to the NFL.
"Bella Rose has developed into a proven scorer in high school and is an extremely hard worker with tremendous upside," Haden said.
Bri'Asia Rowe | Forward | Charlotte, N.C. | South Mecklenburg HS
Rowe comes to Memphis from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C., bringing an athletic and versatile presence to the Tigers' frontcourt.
In her sophomore varsity season, Rowe averaged 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Known for her explosiveness and high motor, Rowe adds another athletic option to the Memphis lineup.
"Bri'Asia Rowe is an elite athlete with incredible versatility and motor," Haden said. "She has attempted dunks in multiple games, and I look forward to her completing one in a Tiger uniform."
Kaylei Thornton | Guard/Forward | Frisco, Texas | Wakeland HS
Thornton joins the Tigers from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, where she has been a key contributor to the Lady Wolverines' success over three varsity seasons.
As a junior, Thornton averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.2 assists per game while adding nearly one block per contest. Her efforts helped lead Wakeland to its second consecutive District 12-5A championship and earned her District 12-5A Co-Most Valuable Player honors.
With Thornton playing a key role, the Lady Wolverines consistently climbed into the top 10 of the Texas Girls Coaches Association state rankings.
Thornton also established herself as a perimeter shooting threat on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit.
"Kaylei Thornton was one of the best shooters on the EYBL circuit," Haden said. "Her size and ability to space the floor for us will be extremely valuable."
Season tickets for the 2026-27 Memphis women's basketball season are on sale now and can be purchased here.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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