MONROE, La. — ULM women’s basketball head coach Missy Bilderback announced the signing of two-time NJCAA All-American Nya Valentine to its roster on Monday (May 13). 

“Nya is an elite guard that brings experience from a high major conference and a championship NJCAA program,” said Bilderback. “We are familiar with her game as we competed against her during her All-American career at Shelton State. Her basketball IQ and feel for the game will help us solidify arguably one of the best backcourts in the Sun Belt Conference.” 

Valentine, who played in 31 games last season at Clemson, was a standout guard at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. During her freshman season in 2021-22, Valentine was selected as an NJCAA Top 40 WBB Showcase participant and had her jersey featured at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s “Ring of Honor”. She started in 29 of 31 games and averaged 14.1 points and 5.7 assists per game to be voted on the NJCAA All-America Second Team. 

She followed up her freshman season by starting in all 35 games for Shelton State and averaging 16.0 points per game and 5.9 assists per game during her sophomore season. Valentine was voted the Alabama Community College Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Year and earned a spot on the NJCAA All-America First Team.  

A Mobile native, Valentine was a McDonald’s All American Regional finalist at McGill-Toolen High School. She played in both the North-South All-Star Game and the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. Valentine was named All-State First Team for three seasons and All-Region First Team for all four seasons in her high school career. 

Valentine’s signing adds to the impressive incoming recruiting class for the Warhawks. The signees for the Warhawks include Southern Miss transfers Brikayla Gray and Asjha Leake, Mississippi State transfer Meloney Thames, Florida State transfer Sakyia White, Mercer transfer Ciante Downs and MACCC Freshman of the Year Miriam Prince. 

“Nya is an excellent three-point shooter, but her ability to elevate those around her is special,” added Bilderback. “We are thrilled to have a chance to coach Nya, and Warhawk fans will absolutely love her.”