ESPN REPORT: Amiya Joyner Transfers to LSU — A Game-Changer for Women’s College Basketball

Amiya Joyner, a 6’2 power forward from East Carolina University (ECU), has officially been accepted by Louisiana State University (LSU). This transfer is one of the most talked-about moves of the season, sending ripples through the college basketball community. As one of the premier players in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Joyner’s decision to join the LSU Tigers is poised to reshape the dynamic of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has massive implications for both programs involved.

For LSU, this move represents a significant boost to their roster, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in women’s college basketball. For East Carolina, it marks the loss of one of their star players, setting the stage for a shift in their rebuilding process. The transfer portal, which has become an essential part of the college sports landscape, continues to redefine how teams are built, and Joyner’s decision to leave ECU for LSU is a prime example of this trend.

Amiya Joyner’s Rise at East Carolina

Amiya Joyner’s journey to becoming one of the most highly coveted players in college basketball was paved with determination, skill, and a fierce competitive spirit. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joyner was a standout in high school, earning multiple All-State honors and leading her team to numerous state championships. Her combination of size, athleticism, and versatility quickly caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation. Ultimately, she chose East Carolina University, where she hoped to make an immediate impact on the program.

At ECU, Joyner’s talent became undeniable. In her first season with the Pirates, she quickly established herself as one of the team’s most consistent and dominant players. Averaging double digits in both points and rebounds, she was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, using her size and strength to overpower opponents. Her shot-blocking ability and solid defense were also crucial to ECU’s success, making her a dual threat on both ends of the floor.

As her career at ECU progressed, Joyner’s skills only became more refined. She developed an impressive mid-range jumper and extended her range beyond the three-point line, making her a versatile offensive weapon. Her improvement on the defensive end, particularly her ability to guard multiple positions, was another testament to her growth as a player. Joyner’s leadership on and off the court earned her respect from teammates and coaches alike. Head coach Kim McNeill praised her for being the cornerstone of the program, consistently stepping up in crucial moments. “Amiya is the heart and soul of our team,” McNeill said. “She pushes herself and her teammates to be the best version of themselves.”

Joyner’s impact at ECU went beyond the box score. She was the anchor of their offense, a reliable scorer who could take over games when necessary, and her leadership was invaluable in guiding younger players through the ups and downs of a competitive season. Despite playing for a team that didn’t always have the resources or talent of some of the larger programs in the country, Joyner became a known commodity on the national stage. Her work ethic and performance earned her numerous accolades, including All-Conference honors and recognition as one of the top forwards in the nation.

However, despite her individual success, ECU faced challenges in terms of team performance. While Joyner’s individual performances were often outstanding, the Pirates struggled to reach the upper echelons of the AAC, which ultimately led to her decision to explore new opportunities for her final years of eligibility. The transfer portal offered her a chance to join a program with the resources and championship pedigree she sought.

The LSU Factor: Why the Transfer Makes Sense

For LSU, the addition of Amiya Joyner is a move that strengthens an already impressive roster. Under head coach Kim Mulkey, who has brought a championship-winning pedigree to Baton Rouge, LSU has become one of the most formidable teams in women’s college basketball. After taking over the program in 2021, Mulkey immediately made an impact, leading the Tigers to a top-tier finish in the SEC and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The addition of Joyner only makes LSU a more dangerous team on the national stage.

Joyner’s skills align perfectly with LSU’s needs. The Tigers have established themselves as a team that thrives on defense, intensity, and an up-tempo style of play, and Joyner fits right into that mold. Her ability to dominate in the post, her shot-blocking prowess, and her tenacity on the boards make her a perfect fit for LSU’s physical, defense-first approach. Additionally, her versatility on offense, where she can stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways, adds another layer of depth to LSU’s already potent lineup.

Her presence in the frontcourt will be especially valuable for LSU, who have often relied on strong inside play and physicality to control games. With Joyner in the mix, LSU now has a more balanced attack, one that can dominate inside while also posing a threat from the perimeter. As LSU looks to make another run at the SEC title and beyond, Joyner will be a key piece in their efforts to win the program’s first national championship since 2008.

For Mulkey, adding Joyner to the roster is an essential step in building a championship contender. “Amiya is an exceptional player, and her style of play fits perfectly with the culture we’re building here at LSU,” Mulkey said. “She’s a difference-maker, and we’re thrilled to have her join our program.”

LSU’s depth will be a major factor in their pursuit of a title. With players like Alexis Morris, a senior guard and one of the top players in the nation, and several high-profile recruits, the Tigers are poised for another strong season. The addition of Joyner gives LSU even more talent, allowing Mulkey to utilize a variety of lineup combinations and strategies to outmatch opponents.

A Setback for East Carolina: The Loss of a Star

While LSU fans are celebrating the addition of Amiya Joyner, her departure from East Carolina marks a significant setback for the Pirates. ECU had built their program around Joyner, and her departure leaves a considerable void in their lineup. As one of the best players in the AAC, her absence will be felt not only in terms of on-court production but also in leadership and experience.

For head coach Kim McNeill, the loss of Joyner presents a difficult challenge. ECU will need to rely on a new generation of players to step up and fill the gap left by one of the program’s all-time greats. While McNeill has shown the ability to develop talent and lead the Pirates to success, replacing a player of Joyner’s caliber is no easy task. The program will need to look to both current players and incoming recruits to ensure that they can remain competitive in the AAC.

Despite the loss, ECU is not without hope. The transfer portal has allowed programs like ECU to reload quickly, and with the right recruiting, they can continue to build a strong team. However, the road ahead will be challenging, and it may take time for the Pirates to return to the level of competitiveness they had with Joyner on the roster.

The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword

Amiya Joyner’s transfer is part of a broader trend in college sports, particularly women’s basketball, where the transfer portal has become a major influence on how teams are built. The portal has allowed players to move between programs without the usual restrictions, and as a result, the landscape of college basketball has shifted. For programs like LSU, the portal has become a valuable tool for adding experienced players who can contribute immediately, while for players like Joyner, it provides an opportunity to compete at a higher level and potentially play for a national championship.

However, the transfer portal has also created challenges for programs that lose their star players. While teams can use the portal to bring in new talent, they may also face a constant turnover of players, making it difficult to build long-term continuity. For ECU, losing a player like Joyner is a setback, but the program will need to adapt to the new reality of college basketball, where player movement is a constant and can have a significant impact on team success.

Amiya Joyner’s Legacy and Future Impact

As Amiya Joyner prepares to join LSU, her legacy at East Carolina is already solidified. She will be remembered as one of the best players in the program’s history, a leader who elevated her team and put ECU women’s basketball on the map. Her time at ECU may be over, but her influence on the program will not be forgotten.

Looking ahead, Joyner’s future at LSU is full of potential. She joins a program that has the resources and talent to compete for national championships, and her presence will undoubtedly make an impact in the SEC. The Tigers’ championship aspirations are now stronger than ever with her on the roster, and LSU fans are eager to see what Joyner can accomplish on the big stage.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for both LSU and East Carolina, and the entire college basketball world will be watching to see how Amiya Joyner’s move from ECU to LSU unfolds. Whether she helps lead LSU to a national championship or takes her game to even greater heights, there is no doubt that her transfer is one of the biggest stories of the year.

As the transfer portal continues to reshape the college sports landscape, Amiya Joyner’s decision to join LSU is a reminder of how much the game is evolving, and how individual players can change the course of a program’s history. For LSU, this move could very well be the missing piece to their championship puzzle. For Amiya Joyner, it’s a new chapter in her journey—one that will have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.