Williams makes history as first in program to be named NAIA All-American

Kayla Williams made a huge impact for the A&M-Texarkana Women's Basketball team, taking the lead position on a roster that had been depleted from the previous season. Williams responded by leading the Eagles back to the RRAC Championships, grabbed the RRAC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards, and most recently became the first in program history to be selected as a NAIA All-American.

In 29 games for the Eagles, the 5-11 junior forward from San Diego, Calif. averaged 17.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. She ranked among the Top 20 nationally in rebounding while putting together shotting splits of 44% (FG), 35% (3FG) and 76% (FT).

Williams scored in double figures during 26 of the 29 games in which she saw action, notching a career-best 33 points on Feb. 1 against Huston-Tillotson. She went 10-for-10 at the free throw line in a game against Jarvis Christian in January.

She also posted 15 games with 10 or more rebounds, including a career-high 21 on two occasions in just a one week span during conference play in January. On the second occurrence, she posted 27 points and 21 rebounds at Louisiana Christian. Williams had 16 double-double games during the season, including a streak of 7 consecutive games with a double-double from January thru February.

Her 499 points and 306 rebounds during the 2023-24 season smashed the previous single-season program records of 370 points (Lovietta Walker '22) and 205 rebounds (Haylee Washington '19). In fact, her 499 points move her all the way into third on the CAREER scoring list for the program. She also set new program single-season records for free throws made (109), field goals made (175) and three-pointers made (40).