BEAUMONT, Texas - Head coach Aqua Franklin announced Monday morning the additions of six newcomers to Lamar University for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Among those joining the program are the top-ranked high school player in Louisiana, a two-sport athlete, two JUCO transfers, and a pair of NCAA DI transfers.
 
 
Shaila Forman - G - Baton Rouge, La. (Southern Lab HS)
 
Forman is set to make her arrival in Beaumont after calling Baton Rouge home for her high school career. A three-time state champion at Southern Lab High School, she averaged 22 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 steals per game for the Kittens last season. Forman was named the Louisiana MaxPreps Player of the Year, State MVP, and the Advocate Star of Stars Girls' Athlete of the Year following her season.
 
"We're thrilled to welcome the No. 1 player out of Louisiana — a dynamic talent with elite skill and a relentless motor. She impacts the game on both ends of the floor and brings a competitive edge that will have an immediate impact on our program and everyone around her." - Aqua Franklin

 
 
Chisom Oguego - G - Lagos, Nigeria (South Plains JC)
 
From Lagos, Nigeria, Oguego spent two seasons with the Texans at South Plains Junior College. In 60 games played with 41 starts, she averaged 6.3 ppg, 5.4 boards, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 spg. Oguego was also named the 2024-25 defensive player of the year.
 
"She's a big guard with a defensive mindset and a tireless work ethic. Her ability to disrupt plays, rebound from the guard position, and constantly get her hands on the ball will immediately elevate our program." - Aqua Franklin
 
 

Solenne Olenga - F/C - Lubumbaashi, DR Congo (Frank Phillips)
 
Olenga spent two seasons at Frank Phillips College. This past season saw her average a double-double with 15.9 ppg and 13.2 rpg for the Lady Plainsmen while converting 46 percent from the field. She also earned Region V All-Conference honors.
 
"She's an athletic and bouncy big who can stretch the floor and finish with touch around the rim. With a blue-collar mentality and the ability to rebound outside of her area, she brings toughness and versatility to our frontcourt." - Aqua Franklin
 

 
Alexis Parker - G - San Antonio, Texas (Brandeis HS/UTSA)
 
After three seasons playing for UTSA, Parker, a native of San Antonio, is set to have her senior season in Beaumont. Parker played 66 games with the Roadrunners, scoring 101 points and grabbing 76 rebounds. Before UTSA, she led the Broncos of Brandeis High School to three playoff runs, including a fifth-round appearance as a sophomore. Averaging 12 ppg, Parker earned three first-team all-district and all-academic honors while collecting all-area and all-state awards. As a senior, she was named district defensive MVP, TGBA Academic All-State, TABC All-Region and TGCA All-State.
 
"We're elated to bring in an experienced 5-9 guard from UTSA. As a senior transfer, she adds valuable game experience, a solid skill set, and a steady presence that will strengthen our backcourt depth and leadership." - Aqua Franklin


 
Molly Powell - F - Nome, Texas (Hardin Jefferson HS/McNeese)
 
A two-sport athlete from nearby Nome, Powell will make her first appearance on the basketball court after a season redshirting at rival McNeese. While at Hardin-Jefferson High School, she earned first-team all-district and TABC all-region honors and was a two-time TGCA All-State recipient for the Hawks. Powell was also named as both district newcomer of the year (2019-20) and defensive player of the year (2020-21).
 
"Molly is a versatile forward who plays with poise, toughness, and relentless effort. A multi-sport athlete with a competitive spirit, she embodies the kind of drive and character that will proudly represent our university on and off the court." - Aqua Franklin


 
Melinda Winston - F - Houston, Texas (Alief Hastings HS/Texas State)
 
Winston appeared in six games at Texas State, totaling 11 points, including nine at Arkansas State last season, while grabbing four rebounds. The sophomore transfer from Houston averaged 17.5 ppg and 7.7 rpg for Alief Hastings as a senior. She holds the Fighting Bears' school marks in points (2,088), rebounds (989), and steals (439) and is a two-time 6A TABC All-State team member. Earning four First-Team All-District awards, Winston was the district's offensive (2023) and defensive player of the year (2022).


"I'm happy to announce the addition of a powerful lefty forward transferring in from Texas State. She brings physicality, experience, and a strong presence on both ends of the floor that will add depth to our post position." - Aqua Franklin