BLACKSBURG – Head Coach Kenny Brooks announced the signing of four young women to the Virginia Tech women's basketball team Thursday morning; Kayana Traylor, Rochelle Norris, Destiney McPhaul and Brianna Turnage. Traylor and Norris arrive in Blacksburg as transfers from Purdue and West Virginia respectively, while McPhaul and Turnage are completing their high school careers this Spring.
Below is a look at each signee.
Kayana Traylor
Traylor, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Martinsville, Indiana has spent the last three seasons at Purdue.
THANKFUL .. #GoHokies 🦃🧡 pic.twitter.com/dagQVBSxbV
— Kayana Traylor (@kayana_traylor) April 9, 2021
Traylor led the Boilermakers in scoring this past season, averaging 15.0 points shooting 38.7% from the field. She made 26 3-pointers and averaged 3.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds per contest. Her career-high in scoring came on February 21 at Michigan State where she scored 31 points on 10 of 20 shooting from the field.
She was named to the Big Ten Coaches Second Team in 2021, and became the 18th player in Purdue history to dish out 300 career assists.
For her career in West Lafayette, Traylor started 70 of 89 games for the Boilermakers and averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds.
"I chose Virginia Tech because of the standard of excellence both on the court and in the classroom," Traylor said of her new opportunity with the Hokies. "Additionally, the relationships and the family atmosphere in the women's basketball program was something that made Virginia Tech an easy choice because it truly feels like home. Coach Brooks, my teammates and the program as a whole have the opportunity to do something so special that I could not pass up the chance to be a part of."
QUOTING COACH BROOKS
•I'm super excited with the addition of Kayana Traylor to our program. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that can propel our program to the next level. She's a versatile guard that can play multiple positions. Her skill set fits our philosophy and I think that she will blend in very nicely with our current group.
Rochelle Norris
Norris, a 6-foot-5 center from Stafford, Virginia, played for three seasons at West Virginia where she featured in 39 games, starting 11 times.
"I chose Virginia Tech because I believe they have the ability to get me to where I need to be," Norris said of her commitment. "It's a family atmosphere and I'm excited to get started."
I'm thankful for new opportunities, I'd like to thank West Virginia University and my teammates for a great ride the past 3 years.. and now I'm looking forward to continuing my journey @HokiesWBB #gohokies 🦃🧡 pic.twitter.com/4tGP6V3n95
— Rochelle Norris (@rochellenorris_) February 10, 2021
This past season, she suited up 13 times for the Mountaineers scoring 42 points and pulling down 46 rebounds. She also posted 11 blocks in limited action.
For her WVU career, Norris averaged 3.4 points, shooting 53.7% and had 4.0 rebounds per contest.
During her prep career, Norris was rated the No. 70 overall recruit in the 2018 HoopGurlz Recruiting rankings and 15th for post players.
QUOTING COACH BROOKS
•I'm excited to welcome Rochelle Norris 'back home' as she joins our program. Rochelle is a Virginia native and will add much-needed size inside and she will be a tremendous compliment to Elizabeth Kitley. I foresee them playing together and with Rochelle's toughness and experience she can help solidify our front court.
Destiney McPhaul
A 5-foot-8 point guard from Philadelphia, McPhaul is rated an 89 overall by ESPN.
"I chose Virginia Tech based off of one of my favorite quotes, 'Home should be an anchor a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we are loved and where we can love, grow and be successful,' McPhaul said. "I felt like Virginia Tech was that place for me."
This year she led West Catholic to the District 12 AAA City Title and participated in the Who's Next All-American basketball game in early April. She has also been named to MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
She was named the 2021 Philadelphia Catholic League MVP.
QUOTING COACH BROOKS
•Destiney is a very talented guard that comes from a winning program. Her talent and toughness was on full display as she willed her team to a State Championship. I'm looking forward to her contributions to Virginia Tech women's basketball.
Brianna Turnage
Turnage is a 6-foot-1 wing player from Atlanta (Westlake) who is rated by ESPN as the No. 61 overall recruit in the nation. She is a 4-star, graded a 91.
"I chose Virginia Tech because of the family environment I feel when I talk to the players as well as the coaches," Turnage said of the Virginia Tech women's basketball program. "I feel the I will be a great fit and I can't wait to get up there and give them all that I have."
Westlake won the GEICO High School National Championship and the State of Georgia 4A State Title in 2021. Turnage earned Second Team All-Metro honors for her play her senior season.
QUOTING COACH BROOKS
•We are very excited to welcome Brianna to our Virginia Tech family. She is a proven winner as she was instrumental in winning four State Championships in Georgia and she capped her senior season off with the National Championship. Brianna is an athletic forward whose potential is off the charts.