This evening, the Bearcats received their first commitment from the 2025 class after highly touted prospect Joya Crawford announced her commitment to the University of Cincinnati. This comes just 24 hours after the Bearcats dominated local rivalry Xavier 69-47 at Fifth Third Arena.
Crawford is one of the most highly touted players in the state of Tennessee, where she currently attends Dyersburg high school. Crawford, a highly touted combo guard who stands 5’8″ has shown her ability to score on all three levels. Katrina Merriweather and the Bearcats staff identified one of their top targets in the 2025 class early on as they started recruiting Crawford early in the process dating back to the staff’s time at Memphis University.
Crawford is coming off a stellar sophomore season where she was named the State Gazette Offensive Player of the Year. Crawford led Dyersburg to a historic state tournament run before falling in the Elite Eight. It is clear to see that the Bearcats staff is targeting some of the most highly rated prospects in the nation as they have now landed two highly touted guards in the last month after 2024 four star point guard Chloee Mann announced her pledge to the Bearcats.
Crawford was on campus at the beginning of October for a visit and flash forward just two short months later, Katrina Merriweather and the Bearcats land yet another big-time prospect. Crawford now becomes the first member of the Bearcats 2025 recruiting class following this evening’s announcement.
Here is what Crawford had to say about her commitment to the Bearcats in a recent social media post where she announced her commitment to the Bearcats.
“I want to give a special thanks to coach Katrina,” said Crawford. “You have been one of the most genuine and caring coaches that I have ever came across in my entire life. You’re always honest, supportive, and loving. Since day one, you have stood firm on everything you ever told me and have always made me feel welcomed. on the business side of things, I admire that you are a great leader who brings positive transformation and growth. I believe your success reflects your dedication to the game and good nature. Thank you for believing in me.”
