STEPHENVILLE – The final member of Tarleton’s 2021 recruiting class became official on Monday, as head coach Misty Wilson announced the signing of 6-6 transfer Seynabou “Zeyna” Thiam.
Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Thiam comes to Tarleton after spending her sophomore year at Arkansas State. She saw action in 13 games for the Red Wolves during the 2020-21 season and averaged 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 points per game. Thiam was a consistent finisher in the low block, as she connected at a 45.8 percent clip from the field.
Thiam’s top performance came against an opponent Tarleton has familiarity with. She snagged 18 rebounds – 11 offensive – and chipped in nine points on Dec. 15 vs. Champion Christian College, whom Tarleton defeated 95-27 three days earlier inside Wisdom Gym.
“We’re thrilled that Zeyna chose to be a part of the Texan family,” Wilson said. “She is a high character individual and has shown to be a dedicated student who is serious about getting her degree. These qualities directly translate to her abilities on the court. Everyone we talked to regarding Zeyna, during the recruiting process, talked about her character, effort, and desire to be great.
“Her 6-6 frame obviously makes her an asset for us on day one,” Wilson continued, “but she has a good feel for the game, the ability to finish shots in the post, and is a proven shot blocker and high-level rebounder. We know Zenya will thrive in our environment on and off the court.”
Before suiting up for the Red Wolves, Thiam played one season at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. There, Thiam became one of the top rim protectors in the NJCAA Division I ranks.
She swatted away 58 shots to lead the NTJAC and NJCAA Region V and earn all-conference honorable mention recognition. Thiam also ranked in the top-25 among all NJCAA Division I players in blocked shots.
Thiam delivered inside and on the glass for McLennan as well, averaging 7.2 rebounds and 6.1 points per contest on 44.1 percent shooting (79-129).
She came to the United States after putting up video game numbers during her prep career at Galandou Diouf High School in Senegal. Thiam posted a stat line of 15 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals per game while playing for head coach Beydi Ndiaye.
Thiam is one of three international players to sign with Tarleton during the 2021 recruiting cycle. Wilson previously inked British Columbia native Jenna Dick (Eastern Washington) and Sweden’s Emilia Axelsson (Clarendon College).
The Texans also added six Division I transfers to their roster this spring. Thiam and Dick are joined by Tyler Jackson (Louisiana Tech) Jurnee President (St. Bonaventure), Nya Mitchels (UNCW) and Hannah Matthews (Abilene Christian).
Rounding out the class are a trio of Texas prep guards in Mason Jones (Panhandle HS), Crystal Smith (Tompkins HS) and Nikki Petrakovitz (Oak Ridge HS).
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