ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women's basketball program under the direction of third-year head coach Tim Taylor is pleased to introduce a talented group of freshmen, who will be joining the team for this upcoming 2022-23 season. The Class of 2026 consists of six recruited student-athletes from across the country. Over the next week, each recruit will be profiled beginning today with Gia Pissott from Toms River, N.J.
 
Pissott will immediately bring size and improved skill to Navy's front court rotation. A 6'3 center/forward, who honed her craft interscholastically at Toms River North High School and with the N.J. Shoreshots on the AAU circuit. She was coached at Toms River North by Vicky Gallen and with the Shoreshots by Tracey Sabino. A four-year member of the varsity team, Pissott led the Mariners to A South District Championships each and every season. Elected team captain prior to her junior and senior seasons, Pissott's career culminated with a spot on the New Jersey All-State Second Team in 2021-22. Additionally, she was named to the Shore Conference All-Defensive First Team. Away from the court, Pissott is a talented golfer, who earned a nod on the New Jersey All-State Second Team as a freshman and served as Toms River's team captain in 2019 and 2020.
 
Academically, Pissott studied at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Sciences. At school, she was involved in the Yearbook, Spanish and Human Rights Clubs, in addition to volunteering with the Relay for Life. Pissott is the daughter of James and Josephine and twin sister of Justine, who'll suit up this fall at the University of Tennessee after a stint with the United States' U-18 National Team this summer.
 
"Gia Pissott is a natural-born leader who will be an outstanding addition to the Academy as well as our program," remarked Taylor. "She is one of the hardest workers both in the classroom and on the court who holds herself to an incredibly high standard on both. 

"She is a long athletic player with an extremely high basketball IQ. She is a tremendous shot blocker and defender who can affect the game in different ways. Her willingness to take charges and to communicate to her teammates will be a great addition. She can score at all three levels and is a tremendous passer. Gia is just scratching the surface of her potential."