By Katherine Jamtgaard. BOONE, N.C. — App State women’s basketball coach Angel Elderkin announced the signing of two athletes to the 2024-25 signing class on Thursday.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome Nya Smith and Bella Weary to our App State family,” said Elderkin. “Both of these young women have the character and skill sets to elevate our program.”
Nya Smith | 5-9 | G | Roswell, Ga. | Milton HS
Smith will join the Mountaineers as a guard next season and intends on pursuing a degree in marketing. During her high school career, Smith was named First Team All-Region and Rotary Honor Air Tournament MVP. Smith earned Second Team All-State recognition. She also competed on the track team, ranking fifth in the state of Georgia in the 4×400-meter relay and 7th in the state in the 400 meters.
Smith enjoys basketball, track and field, crocheting, baking, lifting and photography.
Why Smith Chose App State: “I loved the family atmosphere of the women’s basketball team and how App State would set me up for both social and professional success in the future.”
Elderkin on Smith: “Nya Smith is a dynamic guard with great size and versatility to play in our uptempo system. She plays with great intensity on both sides of the ball and has a work ethic that is unmatched. She brings leadership’s qualities that will impact our community immediately.”
Bella Weary | 5-6 | G | Jacksonville, Fla. | DME Sports Academy | USF | Daytona State
Weary will join the Mountaineers as a guard for the 2024-25 season after spending a season at Daytona State. Prior to her time at Daytona State, the Jacksonville, Fla. native made a stop at USF. While at South Florida, Weary appeared in eight games and competed in the first round of the inaugural Women’s Battle 4 Atlantis.
During her high school career, Weary scored 2,000 points and was named to the Florida Times-Union All-First Coast First Team. She also was named to the Sunshine State Independent All-Conference Team.
Weary plans on pursuing a degree in communications. After finishing college, she would like to play basketball professionally or box professionally. Her father, Fred, was an All-American football player at the University of Florida, was part of the 1996 National Championship team, and played in the NFL.
Why Weary Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the overwhelming support of the coaching staff.”
Elderkin on Weary: “Bella Weary brings us college experience with an elite competitive mindset. She has a scoring mentality and a skill set that matches our style of play. We are excited about the maturity and leadership that she will bring to our program.”
