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University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Basketball Adds Two Signees to the Incoming Freshman Class
November 14, 2024 | Women's Basketball
Anya George (Chester, Pa.) and Aiyanna Perkins (Phoenix, Ariz.) officially sign with the University of Massachusetts women's basketball program
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts women's basketball program has officially signed Anya George and Aiyanna Perkins as a part of the 2025 incoming freshman class, announced by the team on Thursday.
"Recruiting is a team effort, and I am proud of our staff as we welcome two great players and great families into our basketball program" stated women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar. "Anya George and Aiyanna Perkins are both well-rounded guards. Both are like-minded in how they approach the game, and they can both make an impact on both ends of the floor. I love the fact that Anya and Aiyanna have high expectations for themselves and their UMass experience. Both student-athletes will add athleticism to our backcourt and complement our current roster and last year's recruiting class. I am excited for our future."
Anya George | 5'8" | Guard | Chester, Penn.
During her time at Paul VI in Haddonfield, N.J., George helped lead her team to championship gold, winning the 2024 South Jersey Basketball Invitational Tournament. Paul VI advanced all the way to sectionals in 2024 with George as a main contributor. The 5'8" guard earned Standout Player of the Year and Coaches Player of the Year, establishing herself as a leader both on and off the court.
George on UMass
"When I think of UMass, the coaches and the team as a whole, I believe respect is earned, trust is gained, and loyalty is returned here!"
Leflar on George
"Anya George is a point guard and a competitor. She is at her best in transition and that is something that will continue to be a priority for our program. From day one, I was instantly impressed with her feel for the game. Anya balances getting her teammates involved and knowing when to score. Additionally, Anya takes great pride in her defense. I love everything about Anya's game and look forward to coaching her."
Aiyanna Perkins | 5'7" | Guard | Phoenix, Ariz.
Hailing from Phoenix, Ariz., Perkins is a 1,000+-point scorer for Bella Vista College Prep, reaching the scoring milestone in her sophomore year. Aiyanna earned 5a Player of the Year, 2x Region Player of the Year, 2x All-Conference First-Team, and 2x All-Arizona First-Team during her time at Bella Vista. The 5'7" guard competed in the Nike Tournament of Champions, making the All-Tournament Team. Perkins also participated in the "Grind Session" international elite prep basketball circuit tabbing 4x Grind Session Player of the Game in addition to an All-Star selection.
Perkins on UMass
"UMass feels like my home away from home, I love how I can grow as a woman and a basketball player with amazing people around me!"
Leflar on Perkins
"A former UMass colleague introduced me to Aiyanna Perkins and from the first time watching her play I knew I wanted Aiyanna on our team. Aiyanna is a winner and impacts the game in so many ways. She takes pride on the defensive end and is strong enough to guard multiple positions. Offensively, she is a 3-level scorer is comfortable playing on and off the ball. She is invested in becoming her best here at UMass, and I am excited to be a part of the journey with her."
"Recruiting is a team effort, and I am proud of our staff as we welcome two great players and great families into our basketball program" stated women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar. "Anya George and Aiyanna Perkins are both well-rounded guards. Both are like-minded in how they approach the game, and they can both make an impact on both ends of the floor. I love the fact that Anya and Aiyanna have high expectations for themselves and their UMass experience. Both student-athletes will add athleticism to our backcourt and complement our current roster and last year's recruiting class. I am excited for our future."
Anya George | 5'8" | Guard | Chester, Penn.
During her time at Paul VI in Haddonfield, N.J., George helped lead her team to championship gold, winning the 2024 South Jersey Basketball Invitational Tournament. Paul VI advanced all the way to sectionals in 2024 with George as a main contributor. The 5'8" guard earned Standout Player of the Year and Coaches Player of the Year, establishing herself as a leader both on and off the court.
George on UMass
"When I think of UMass, the coaches and the team as a whole, I believe respect is earned, trust is gained, and loyalty is returned here!"
Leflar on George
"Anya George is a point guard and a competitor. She is at her best in transition and that is something that will continue to be a priority for our program. From day one, I was instantly impressed with her feel for the game. Anya balances getting her teammates involved and knowing when to score. Additionally, Anya takes great pride in her defense. I love everything about Anya's game and look forward to coaching her."
Aiyanna Perkins | 5'7" | Guard | Phoenix, Ariz.
Hailing from Phoenix, Ariz., Perkins is a 1,000+-point scorer for Bella Vista College Prep, reaching the scoring milestone in her sophomore year. Aiyanna earned 5a Player of the Year, 2x Region Player of the Year, 2x All-Conference First-Team, and 2x All-Arizona First-Team during her time at Bella Vista. The 5'7" guard competed in the Nike Tournament of Champions, making the All-Tournament Team. Perkins also participated in the "Grind Session" international elite prep basketball circuit tabbing 4x Grind Session Player of the Game in addition to an All-Star selection.
Perkins on UMass
"UMass feels like my home away from home, I love how I can grow as a woman and a basketball player with amazing people around me!"
Leflar on Perkins
"A former UMass colleague introduced me to Aiyanna Perkins and from the first time watching her play I knew I wanted Aiyanna on our team. Aiyanna is a winner and impacts the game in so many ways. She takes pride on the defensive end and is strong enough to guard multiple positions. Offensively, she is a 3-level scorer is comfortable playing on and off the ball. She is invested in becoming her best here at UMass, and I am excited to be a part of the journey with her."
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