SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State women’s basketball head coach Beth Cunningham announced today the signing of graduate transfer Aniya Thomas, the first signee of the Cunningham era.
Thomas is a transfer from Kansas who started 16 games for the Jayhawks in 2021-22, averaging 8.5 points and 2.5 rebounds.
In her career at Kansas, Thomas was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 first-team selection. As a junior, she played in 25 games and led the Jayhawks in steals with 42. Her 1.7 steals per game in 2020-21 ranked ninth in the Big 12.
In her sophomore season, she started 28 games and registered 21 double-digit scoring performances to average 12.6 points per game. Thomas made 11 starts and appeared in 29 games as a freshman while totaling 139 points (4.8 ppg) and 33 rebounds.
Thomas was a three-star recruit and was ranked No. 50 for her position by ESPN and No. 122 overall by Prospect Nation coming out of Duncanville High in Duncanville, Texas. Thomas helped lead her team to three Texas State Championship appearances and two 6A state titles.
Cunningham on Thomas
“We are thrilled to have Aniya join our Lady Bear family. She will impact our program immediately with her versatility and ability to handle the ball, while making plays for herself and her teammates. She is an outstanding defender and will change the game for us on the defensive end of the floor. Aniya has experienced playing – and winning – in the NCAA Tournament and she brings a familiar winner’s mentality to Springfield.”
