Amiya Joyner Brings Power and Potential to Baton Rouge as She Signs With LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program has continued its momentum on the recruiting trail with a major addition: Amiya Joyner, the talented forward from North Carolina, has officially signed with the Tigers. Her commitment is not just a win for head coach Kim Mulkey’s squad—it’s a clear statement about LSU’s continued rise as a national powerhouse. Joyner’s signing carries implications far beyond the box score, and for LSU fans, it’s time to get excited about the next chapter in Baton Rouge.
Amiya Joyner has long been a standout on the high school and grassroots circuits. Standing 6-foot-3, she is a forward with size, strength, and the type of physicality that commands attention on both ends of the floor. Her game is built on a foundation of toughness, rebounding tenacity, and an improving offensive arsenal that makes her a dual-threat in the post and midrange. In her senior season at Farmville Central High School in North Carolina, she averaged a double-double, demonstrating not just consistency but dominance. Her performances were a major reason her team remained among the top-ranked in the state throughout the year.
But more than her stats, Joyner plays with a sense of purpose. Her on-court presence reflects a maturity that sets her apart from many of her peers. Coaches often speak of her leadership, her work ethic, and her ability to inspire teammates during both practice and high-pressure games. These qualities are exactly what LSU is looking for as it retools its roster for another championship run.
For LSU, signing Joyner represents the type of move that continues the momentum Kim Mulkey has built since arriving in Baton Rouge. In just a few seasons, Mulkey has transformed LSU into a destination program. The Tigers’ national title in 2023 was just the beginning. Since then, they’ve recruited at an elite level and positioned themselves to contend year after year. Adding Joyner to the mix isn’t just about adding depth—it’s about investing in a future star who can shape the identity of the program for years to come.
Joyner’s commitment to LSU also reflects her belief in what the Tigers are building. In interviews leading up to her decision, Joyner spoke about wanting to be part of a competitive environment where she could grow both as a player and a person. She cited LSU’s family culture, the program’s winning tradition, and the opportunity to learn under Mulkey and her coaching staff as major draws. Mulkey, a Hall of Fame coach, is known for maximizing the potential of bigs, and Joyner seems poised to be the next in line.
The fit between Joyner and LSU is seamless. In terms of on-court needs, Joyner fills a critical role for the Tigers. With several veterans departing for the WNBA or graduating, LSU needed to reload its frontcourt. Joyner brings fresh legs, a relentless motor, and the type of interior presence that will make an immediate impact. She’s not just a bruiser in the paint—she has the agility to defend in space, the timing to block shots, and the touch to finish in traffic. Her transition to the college level might be smoother than most because of the physical tools and instincts she already possesses.
Off the court, Joyner embodies the type of student-athlete LSU fans can be proud of. She’s grounded, humble, and focused. Her roots in North Carolina run deep, and her decision to move hundreds of miles to join LSU speaks volumes about her trust in the program’s vision. It’s clear she didn’t choose LSU just for basketball—it was about community, development, and being part of something bigger than herself.
In today’s era of NIL, transfer portals, and high mobility, finding players who are committed to long-term growth with a program is invaluable. Joyner appears to be that kind of player. While she has all the physical tools to contribute right away, her real value might be in what she becomes over two, three, or four seasons in Baton Rouge. The Tigers don’t just get a player—they get a building block.
LSU’s fans are known for their passion, and Joyner will quickly become a fan favorite. Her style of play—hard-nosed, team-first, and relentless—fits right into the Tiger identity. Expect to see her grabbing offensive rebounds, diving for loose balls, and celebrating the little plays that don’t always show up in highlight reels but win games. LSU fans love players who give their all, and Joyner is already wired that way.
The Tigers’ schedule next season will be filled with challenges, from top SEC matchups to high-stakes non-conference games. But Joyner has never shied away from competition. In fact, she thrives in it. That competitive fire was evident during her AAU days, where she often went up against some of the nation’s top prospects and never backed down. Now, with a chance to test herself against the best players in college basketball, she’s stepping into a new arena—and she’s ready.
There will be a learning curve, as there always is when transitioning to the college level. The game is faster, the players are stronger, and the margin for error is slimmer. But Joyner has already proven that she’s a quick learner. With the support of LSU’s veteran leaders, coaching staff, and world-class facilities, her development could be rapid. By midseason, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her logging serious minutes and making game-changing plays.
Joyner’s arrival also gives LSU another recruiting victory in the highly competitive Southeast. Programs across the region—from the ACC to the SEC—were pursuing her hard. That she chose LSU over several other high-profile suitors speaks to the Tigers’ recruiting reach and reputation. It’s a message to the rest of the country: LSU isn’t just staying relevant—they’re staying dominant.
In the broader context of women’s college basketball, Joyner’s decision is part of a growing trend: elite players choosing programs that offer more than just tradition. They’re looking for coaches who develop talent, systems that showcase their skills, and environments that feel like home. LSU checks all those boxes. Under Mulkey, the Tigers have become one of the most attractive destinations for top talent. Joyner is simply the latest—and she won’t be the last.
There’s also something poetic about the timing of Joyner’s signing. As LSU continues to evolve, they’re not just leaning on past success—they’re writing new chapters. Joyner represents the future, one built on potential, promise, and passion. Her signing is more than a headline—it’s a foundation.
For Joyner, the work is just beginning. The accolades of high school are now in the past, and the challenges of college basketball await. But she’s never been one to rest on accomplishments. Her drive comes from within, fueled by a desire to be great and to lift those around her. That mindset will serve her well in Baton Rouge.
LSU fans should mark the calendar for her debut. It’s not often a player arrives with Joyner’s blend of skill, heart, and hunger. She won’t be alone—LSU’s roster is filled with stars and rising talents—but her journey will be one to watch closely. Every rebound, every putback, every hustle play will be part of a larger narrative. The story of Amiya Joyner at LSU is just getting started, and the best chapters are still to come.
In a sport that’s growing faster than ever, where every season brings new stars and new stories, Joyner is ready to carve out her own legacy. And now, she’ll do it wearing purple and gold. For LSU, for Baton Rouge, and for women’s basketball, that’s a reason to celebrate.
