The St. John’s Women’s Basketball team is bolstering its roster with a significant addition, as Miami transfer Lashae Dwyer officially signs on with the program. Head Coach Joe Tartamella enthusiastically announced the news, signaling a promising new chapter for the Red Storm. Dwyer, a seasoned combo guard with three years and an impressive 96 game appearances at the University of Miami, brings a wealth of experience and winning mentality to Queens. Her arrival is highly anticipated as St. John’s looks to elevate their performance in the upcoming season.
Dwyer’s pedigree includes participation in two NCAA Tournaments, notably contributing to the Miami Hurricanes’Elite Eight run in 2023. Coach Tartamella highlighted her attributes, stating, “We are very excited about the addition of Lashae to our program. Her toughness and competitive mindset fit perfectly. She is dynamic on both ends of the floor and her experience coupled with her winning pedigree will elevate our team.” This statement underscores the high expectations and strategic importance of Dwyer’s sign-on for St. John’s.
Dynamic Guard Play and Proven Performance
During the 2023-24 season with Miami, Dwyer demonstrated consistent growth, achieving a career-high average of 6.7 points per game across all 30 games. Starting in 13 of those contests, she proved to be a versatile player, ranking third on the team in both assists (49) and steals (45). Her role as a spark off the bench was crucial to Miami’s success, contributing to a reserve unit that topped the ACC in bench points per game, averaging an impressive 24.1 points.
One of the standout moments of her previous season was a season-high 18-point performance in a decisive victory against then-ranked No. 4/5 North Carolina State. Dwyer also showcased her long-range shooting ability, setting a career-high with three 3-pointers against Pittsburgh. Her endurance and commitment were evident as she logged a career-high 33 minutes in a demanding ACC Tournament game against Virginia Tech. These performances highlight her capability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly in key games.
Elite Eight Experience and Sophomore Surge
Dwyer’s sophomore year was pivotal in Miami’s women’s basketball program history, as she played a vital role in their first-ever NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance. Playing in all 35 games that season, she averaged 5.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, consistently contributing across various aspects of the game. Her scoring ability was further emphasized by eight double-figure scoring games, including two occasions where she surpassed 20 points. A career-high 23-point game against Florida State on December 21, 2022, remains a testament to her offensive potential. This experience in high-stakes tournament play is invaluable and will be a significant asset for St. John’s.
From Toronto to Tennessee to Queens: A Journey of Excellence
Before her collegiate career, Dwyer established herself as a highly-regarded prospect. Her final high school season was played at Webb Secondary School in Tennessee, where she earned the distinction of being ranked as the No. 79 player nationally and the No. 15 guard in the 2021 class by ESPN. Her senior year accolades include being named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, after averaging exceptional stats: 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.6 steals per game. She led Webb School to an impressive 32-2 record and a Division II-Class A State Championship, further solidifying her reputation as a top talent. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Dwyer was recognized in her hometown of Toronto, earning a nomination for the BioSteel All-Canadian Basketball Games in 2020.
Red Storm’s Roster Strengthened with Transfer Talent
Lashae Dwyer is the fourth transfer to commit to the Red Storm this offseason, joining Jade Blagrove (Manhattan), Kylie Lavelle (Penn State), and Ariana Vanderhoop (Monmouth). This influx of talent, combined with eight returning players and two incoming freshmen, positions the 2024-25 St. John’s women’s basketball roster for a competitive and exciting season. The sign-on of Dwyer, in particular, brings a dynamic element and proven winning experience that will be crucial for the team’s aspirations. St. John’s fans have every reason to be optimistic about the direction of the program with such promising additions.
