Coach Tarrell Robinson has signed his first two recruits as head of the North Carolina A&T State University women’s basketball team.

MaKayla Williams (5-9, guard, Wakefield, N.C.) and Kenya Hailey (6-foot-1, forward, Greensboro, N.C.) will be wearing the Blue & Gold next season for the women’s basketball program.

“I'm extremely excited to announce my first recruiting class as the leader of this program,” Robinson said. “When we go out and search for quality student athletes for our program, the primary characteristic we look for is versatility. We like players that can play and defend multiple positions, and we think these two young ladies fit the bill. They both aren't just versatile athletes, but they are also excellent students who have high character and come from successful high school and AAU programs.”

Williams is a two-time first-team All-Cap 7 4A conference selection out of Wakefield High School. She is a three-year starter, a two-year captain and she has led the Wolverines to three regional championships. She averaged 10.0 points as a junior.

“MaKayla can play both wing positions,” said Robinson. “She has a great touch from behind the arc, with range. She has a tireless work ethic, and we think she will be a lock down defender the moment she steps on campus. She has that winner’s pedigree that you look for in a player.”
Williams was named Co-MVP of the Rick Bolus Blue Chip Nike Camp, where she won the free throw competition by hitting 56 consecutive free throws. Williams was second in the 3-point competition, and made the All-Star team. She also has two AAU State Championships to her credit.

“I chose A&T because I couldn’t think of a better program to be a part of,” said Williams. “The coaches and the team are like family, and that really shows off and on the court. Academically, A&T ensures that I will be put in the best position possible post graduation, and I love the idea of becoming a part of Aggie Nation!”

Hailey is entering her fourth varsity season at Southeast Guilford. She grew up around the A&T campus because her mother was an employee of the university. Hailey is a two-time first-team All-Metro 4A conference selection.  

“Kenya is a versatile athlete who we see playing both forward positions here for us,” Robinson said. “She too has a work ethic unmatched. She has a high ceiling with her length and quickness. She has the potential to really take huge leaps once she gets to college. I'm glad she decided to stay home.”

As a junior, Hailey averaged 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. She was named her team’s Defensive Player of the Year, and the NewBridge Christmas Tournament MVP. She was also accepted into the National Honors Society.

“I chose A&T because I felt like it fit me the best,” said Hailey. “Every time I step on campus, I feel like I am at home. The fan base at A&T is one the best I have ever seen. The academics are good. There is a small student-to-teacher ratio, which is important because I feel like it is harder to learn in bigger classrooms. I feel comfortable with the plan coach Robinson has for me over the next four years. I feel as if I can really develop my game.”