Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech women’s basketball head coach Brooke Stoehr announced the addition of five transfers to the Lady Techsters program on Friday.
LA Tech added guards Kaleigh Thompson (Lonoke, Ark./Three Rivers College), Alexia Weaver (Louisville, Ky./Three Rivers College), Kierra Middleton (Arlington, Texas/Tulane), Joy Madison-Key (Grand Prairie, Texas/Tulane) and Kennedy Evans (Little Elm, Texas/Oklahoma State).
“We are excited with the addition of this group of young women to the Lady Techsters,” head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “We were able to address our depth on the perimeter with this spring signing class. This group brings experience, length and athleticism. They have the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and will bring a level of competition and passion to the group. We are thrilled to welcome them to Ruston and look forward to competing for a championship with our group next season.”
Thompson, a 6-0 Lonoke, Arkansas product, has played the last two seasons at Three Rivers College, where she helped the Lady Raiders to a 58-9 record. Before Three Rivers, Thompson attended Lonoke High School.
“KT is a versatile athlete with a high motor,” said Stoehr. “She impacts the game with her ability to score, rebound and defend. KT has worked hard to expand her game in her time at Three Rivers under Coach Wiggs and has been a big part of their success. She is a great teammate and will be a tremendous addition to our locker room.”
Thompson is a First Team NJCAA All-American, NCJAA All-Tournament team member, and Region 16 Player of the Year. She also earned First Team All-Region 16 twice and was the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
In her two seasons, Thompson averages 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals a game. She shoots 45.5 percent from the field, 32.0 from long range and 70.8 from the free throw line. Her 3-point percentage saw nearly a 10 percent increase between her freshman and sophomore season. Thompson scored in double figures in 26 games, with four games of 20 or more points.
Weaver joins Thompson in making the move from Three Rivers College to Ruston. She prepped at Dupont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Lexie adds experience and toughness to the perimeter,” added Stoehr. “She has been a part of a winning culture at Three Rivers and understands what it takes to be successful. Lexie can attack the rim and knock down the 3-point shot with consistency. She communicates well and defends with a high intensity.”
The 5-8 guard is a two-time First Team All-Region 16 and All-MCCAC team member. Weaver saw her average nearly double between her freshman and sophomore seasons. During the 2024-25 season, Weaver averaged 11.3 points a game on a 41.1 percent shooting clip. She scored in double figures in 22 games with a career-high 23. Weaver averages 9.0 points a game for her career while adding 1.6 assists.
Middleton is a grad transfer from Tulane, where she helped the Green Wave to 68 wins and two WNIT appearances.
“Kiki’s maturity and experience will be a welcomed addition to the team,” Stoehr said. “She has a toughness and drive that is contagious. She can play off the dribble and will create space with her shooting ability. She is a coach’s kid that understands the game and how to be a great teammate.”
Middleton was limited over the last two seasons due to an injury but had a productive sophomore season in New Orleans. The 5-7 Arlington, Texas native averaged 4.7 points and 2.1 boards a game as a sophomore. Middleton prepped at Midlothian High School, where she led the team to the Texas 5A Regional Final.
Madison-Key is also moving from New Orleans to north Louisiana for her sophomore season.
“Joy plays with a spark and intensity about her with the ball in her hands,” said Stoehr. “She is a natural scorer and will bring an energy and competitiveness to the group. Joy can defend the ball and create offense with her defensive energy.”
During her lone season with Tulane, Madison-Key saw action in 24 games, averaging 2.5 points and 2.4 assists a contest. Coming out of high school, she was a McDonald’s All-American Nominee and led South Grand Prairie to a state runner-up finish as a junior. She was named the District 8-6A Co-Offensive MVP as a senior.
Evans is a 5-10 guard transferring from Oklahoma State with three years of eligibility remaining.
“Kennedy has the ability to affect the game both offensively and defensively with her length and scoring ability,” Stoehr said. “She can be relentless and aggressive on the defensive end while shooting it at a high clip. She brings a highly competitive nature and will be a great addition to our locker room.”
Evans saw action in nine games during her freshman campaign in Stillwater. During her prep career, she led Legion Prep Academy to a 25-4 record and a Texas Christian Athletic League state title as a senior while earning the TCAL Player of the Year. She also earned MVP of the state tournament and was a First Team All-State selection.
