CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball has added a talented young front court player with the signing of Anisa Akinola, a 5-foot-10 forward transferring from Pace University.
"Anisa brings exactly what we value in our program. Relentless effort and toughness," said head coach Jen Brown. "She's a high-motor rebounder who attacks the glass on every possession and a quick, downhill scorer who can put pressure on defenses right away. We're excited for her to come in and make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor."
Originally from Livingston, New Jersey, and a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall, Akinola arrives in Charlotte after an impressive freshman campaign in which she quickly established herself as one of the top newcomers in the conference.
During the 2025-26 season at Pace, Akinola earned Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team honors after starting all 27 games as a freshman. She was also named NE10 Rookie of the Week four times, making an immediate impact throughout her first collegiate season.
Akinola averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, totaling 290 points and 168 rebounds while logging more than 850 minutes. She shot 38.5 percent from the field and 77.4 percent from the free-throw line, showcasing her versatility and efficiency as a scoring forward.
She made an instant statement in her collegiate debut, posting a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double against Dominican (N.Y.). Throughout the season, she reached double figures in scoring 16 times and recorded four double-doubles. Among her standout performances was a 19-point outing against St. Thomas Aquinas, where she connected on 5-of-6 from three-point range, highlighting her ability to stretch the floor.
Akinola also delivered strong performances against conference competition, including 19 points against Saint Michael's and 18 points versus Saint Anselm, further demonstrating her offensive consistency and poise.
When working through the transfer process, Akinola leaned on Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
