ROCKINGHAM — When making her decision where she wanted to play college basketball, Jamyia Lindsey focused on one program’s loyalty.
The junior point guard at Richmond Senior High School has gone through a lot the past year, and joining her the whole time was North Carolina A&T State University.
Lindsey made her verbal commitment to the Aggies last week, tweeting “Young, Gifted, and BLACK. 110% committed #AggiePride.”
The first college to show interest in her ability on the court, Lindsey said it was NC A&T’s relationship building the past two years that led to her decision.
“They offered me in ninth grade and have been so consistent with texting me and checking in on me,” Lindsey said. “The coaches have been to every one of my AAU games during the live period and it’s really that loyalty that made me decide to commit.
“It feels great knowing I already have somewhere to go and play college basketball. Now I can start building for the future and transforming my game to fit their program.”
Becoming the first RSHS female basketball player to play at the Division I level since Rosalind McLendon McDonald (NC State) and Talli Robich (ECU), Lindsey was offered by NC A&T after attending a camp in June 2022.
However, just weeks later while playing travel basketball, Lindsey tore her right ACL and was sidelined for the majority of her sophomore season. She returned to the court on Feb. 3 in a win against Lee County High School and played just a handful of games.
While at an Aggies football game last weekend, it was the school’s atmosphere and the basketball program’s consistent belief in her despite her physical setback that propelled Lindsey to commit.
“I kind of always knew that I wanted to commit there,” Lindsey shared. “When I went to the football game, I was so impressed by the atmosphere and the whole campus. That’s when I decided to commit.
“I was sure of their commitment and belief in me after they continued to keep in touch after my injury,” she continued. “I think there may have been some other offers that were withheld because of that, but A&T sticking by me and taking a risk on me meant a lot.”
Over the summer, Lindsey made an unofficial visit to campus and toured the Aggies’ facilities and met with the coaching staff.
Prior to her decision, Lindsey also received interest from Campbell University, Queens University of Charlotte, UNC-Wilmington and Western Kentucky.
What helped put Lindsey in the spotlight early in her high school career was a breakout freshman season, as she guided the Lady Raiders to a 20-6 record and the second round of the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs.
Named the Sandhills Athletic Conference’s “Player of the Year,” Lindsey started all 26 games and averaged an SAC best 23.5 PPG. She also averaged 2.5 assists per game and 2.2 rebounds per game during Richmond’s best season in over a decade.
Against Union Pines High School during the 2021-22 SAC tournament, Lindsey recorded a career-high 45 points. That season, she also had 17 games where she scored over 20 points and four games where she broke the 30-point mark.
“She is well deserving and A&T has definitely landed a steal,” head coach Teddy Moseley said. “She’s dedicated and extremely hard working, a proven leader and I have no doubt she will hit the ground running and make an immediate impact as soon as she arrives on campus.
“Not only is she a great basketball player, she’s a great student,” he added. “And more importantly, an even better person who displays great character both on and off the court. I’m looking forward to her next couple of seasons as a Raider and even more to her seasons as an Aggie.”
North Carolina A&T, coached by Tarrell Robinson, is a Division I program that competes in the Coastal Athletic Association. A season ago, the Aggies finished 18-12 and tied for second place in the CAA standings.
Robinson is the winningest women’s basketball coach in the school’s history, and NC A&T brought Mike Moses Jr. on board this summer, who was recruiting Lindsey while at Western Kentucky last year.
The Aggies have won seven conference titles under Robinson (four regular-season and three tournament titles), the most recent in 2021. That season was also the last time NC A&T made it to the NCAA tournament.
With the winning tradition established, Lindsey also said it was important for her to attend an historically black college or university (HBCU).
“The coaching staff really made me feel like a part of their family,” Lindsey explained. “They’ve always shown love and the team is also on board. It’s like I’m already there. I’m excited to join a great program that’s proven it can win.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more in touch with my culture and my people. So it became very important to me to attend an HBCU and experience college that way, too.”
Also by Lindsey’s side during the past two years, and for much longer, has been her mom Taneika Reader.
A former RSHS basketball player and current Richmond assistant coach, Reader has been instrumental in the grassroots efforts of developing basketball talent in Richmond County for almost a quarter century.
Always inspired by her mom, who played college basketball at Johnson C. Smith University, Lindsey said she’s ready to carry on the family tradition. Her older sister Jayla McDougald played soccer at Shaw University, too.
“It’s great to get the opportunity to carry on the tradition,” Lindsey said. “My mom went and played D-II and now I’m going D-I, so there’s always been a little competition with that. I want to wear her number (15) in college.”
The Lady Raider basketball team began pre-season workouts earlier this month, and with the start, the expectations are again set high for the program. Lindsey, who was recently cleared to play without a brace, is looking forward to the next two years at Richmond.
“I’m ready to get back at it,” Lindsey said of her full return. “During my junior year I definitely expect Richmond to win the conference championship and I know we can go to at least the third round of the playoffs.
“As a team, we’re continuing to work on our communication and be on the same track,” she closed. “Personally, I want to improve on my defense and be more active on that side of the ball.”
When Lindsey begins her studies at NC A&T, she hopes to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.
