ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy women's basketball program under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tim Taylor is pleased to introduce a talented group of freshmen, who will be joining the team for this upcoming 2023-24 season. The Class of 2027 consists of five recruited student-athletes from across the country. Over the next week, each recruit will be profiled beginning today with Kyah Smith from Richmond, Virginia.

An explosive play-making combo guard from Richmond, Virginia, Smith played interscholastically at L.C. Bird High School in ninth and 12th grades and at the Shining Star Sports Academy (S3) during her sophomore and junior years. Honing her skills over her four years in high school, she concluded her career with a standout 2022-23 campaign that saw her earn First Team All-Virginia State Class 5 honors, as well as First Team All-Region, All-Metro and 2023 South All-Star accolades. Strong in the classroom, Smith garnered a spot on the state's All-Academic Team.
 
With Smith leading the way as a senior, L.C. Bird earned a berth in the 2023 Virginia Class 5 State Championship Final for just the second time in program's history.
 
On the club scene, Smith played with the Cap City Ballerz AAU team for Eric and Star Wills.
 
Away from the court, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Smith and Amber Harris earned the 2023 Chesterfield County Public Schools Citizenship Award and graduated with honors distinction.
 
"Kyah is a dynamic and creative guard who can score at all three levels," remarked head coach Tim Taylor. "She is at her best in breaking down defenses and being a playmaker. Her pull-up game is tremendous. She has outstanding court vision and loves to play in big games and make big shots. She helped lead her L.C. Bird High School team to a state title game appearance last year.  Our fans are going to love watching her play. The exciting part for us is her best basketball is ahead of her. I am excited to watch her growth on the court and off."