WASHINGTON (May 5, 2026) – Howard University women’s basketball team added a pair of forwards to the 2026-27 roster, featuring transfers Kearra Jones (Madison, Wisc.) and Saniya Jones (Tucker, Ga.).
“We are extremely thrilled to welcome Saniya and Kearra,” said Howard women’s basketball head coach Ty Grace. “They will add size and versatility to our front court, along with collegiate playing experience. They both embody work ethic and discipline, two characteristics to compete in our program. I look forward to watching them thrive on and off the court.”
Both Joneses join freshmen Kennedy Deese (Marietta, Ga.) and Indiah Hutchinson (Hammond, Ind.) to finalize the upcoming roster. Deese and Hutchinson signed with HU during the National Signing Day period.
“I am excited to have these four young ladies join our Bison family,” Grace continued. “They will be great additions to an established team, which is looking to repeat as MEAC Champions. Each of them brings a positive attribute that will give us a great opportunity to have another successful season. I cannot wait to coach them!”
Here is more information on the two transfers:
Kearra Jones (Madison, Wisc. / Madison East HS / Mississippi Valley State / Southeast Missouri) – 6-foot-1, Forward
K. Jones comes to The Mecca after one season at Southeast Missouri where she averaged 9.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. She also played a year at Mississippi Valey State, appearing in 31 contests (21 starts) in her first season of college basketball.
“Kearra is an outstanding athlete, who maximizes her abilities every time she is on the court,” Grace stated on the former standout from Madison East HS. “She is a high-motor forward that operates inside and out. She is tenacious on both ends of the floor and will cause matchup problems for opponents. Kearra has a great personality and positive mindset that fits right in with our team.”
K. Jones was a four-year starter at Madison East High School, scoring 1,000 career points. The Wisconsin native made First Team All-Conference three times in her high school career.
Saniya Jones (Tucker, Ga. / Duluth HS / Charleston Southern) – 6-foot-4, Forward
S. Jones arrives to D.C., after four years with Charleston Southern, playing in 84 games (22 starts). She redshirted during the 2025-26 campaign but ranked second in the Big South with 26 total blocks after the 2024-25 season.
“Saniya has great size and mobility,” Grace said on the 6-foot-4 forward. “She will contribute to our defensive prowess with her shot blocking ability and aptitude to run the floor. She is mature with leadership skills any team would desire. I cannot wait to see her in a Howard uniform!”
S. Jones was a four-year standout at Duluth High School where she was one of the state’s top shot blockers, averaging nearly two blocks per game. For her efforts, she earned First-Team All-County honors.