Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Freshman Leila Wells has been a welcome addition to the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team this season. In her first year in Blacksburg, the Chelsea, Michigan native has provided key support for the Hokies, oftentimes using a multifaceted skill set to impact play in many ways. Through 24 games this winter, it’s apparent that Wells’s time as a Hokie is just starting to heat up.
Before her time in Blacksburg, Wells logged minutes at Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Michigan. The guard would tally over 1,000 career points as a starter with the Bulldogs and notch two all-state player recognitions over four years. While balancing time at Chelsea, Wells also registered time with AAU squad Legends U, using her impressive skill set to contribute to the Midwest-based team. After four years of dominant performances, including a Chelsea program-record 37 points against Stockbridge High School in late February 2024, Wells would leave Michigan as her high school’s all-time leading scorer and announce a written commitment to Virginia Tech in April of last year.
Wells joined the Hokies after first-year head coach Megan Duffy was welcomed in Blacksburg. After committing to Tech, Duffy had nothing but excitement for Wells’s involvement on the Hokies.
“Leila brings an incredible toughness and hard-nosed mentality,” said Duffy of Wells after signing her letter of intent. “Leila can wreak havoc on the defensive end and single handedly change the tempo of a game... Fans will love her ability to knock down the three and use her dynamic athleticism to get downhill.”
Duffy did an excellent job of predicting what Wells could provide after singing her praises in April. In 20 games this season, the 5-foot-9 slasher has scored 2.4 points and an assist in an average of 9.5 minutes per contest on 38.1% from the floor. Wells also succeeds beyond the arc, shooting the three at a standout 34.8% clip.
The Michigan native oftentimes comes off the bench for notable contributions to the team. Against Davidson on Nov. 29, Wells’s provided five points (2-for-3 FGM, 1-2 3’s), two defensive rebounds, an assist and a steal all in a quick 15 minutes of on-court action. Her season-high 21 minutes against Campbell on Dec. 21 gave way to five points (2-4 FGM, 1-3 3PT) and a pair of assists in the 81-46 victory.
Wells and the Hokies will face their fifth ranked opponent of the season when the team travels to play No. 12 North Carolina on Feb. 13. After the contest against the Tar Heels, Tech returns home for Clue Night against the Stanford Cardinal on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans interested in seeing the Hokies defend Carilion Clinic Court as Cassell Coliseum should be sure to purchase tickets for what promises to be an exciting night!