COLUMBUS - Columbus State University Women's Basketball head coach Matt Houser is pleased to announce the signings of three future Lady Cougars on Wednesday.

The talented trio all inked scholarships to join the program ahead of Coach Houser's sixth campaign at the helm of the Lady Cougars. Two are talented transfers with one being a highly decorated high school student-athlete.

"I could not be any more excited about this 2024 class," Houser stated. "We are adding great speed and length to our already outstanding guard class. We are also adding amazing speed, toughness and athleticism to our post class. This 2024 class are all effort and energy and want to be the best. I could not ask for anything more."

Haelim Adle - Point Guard - University of Alabama-Huntsville

A talented point guard from Gainesville, Ga., Haelim is a transfer from the University of Alabama-Huntsville. She comes from being a main starter for the program and a top point guard in the Gulf South Conference. Adle started in 19 games for the Chargers in the 2023-24 season, totaling 175 points, 87 boards, and 49 assists.

"I really liked her coming out of high school," Houser said. "She is quick, speedy, and has amazing strength for a point guard. She controls the floor well and she loves to push the ball but loves to play full court defense. She will have everyone guessing what she will do with the ball, and I cannot wait."

Aaliyah Ferrell - Guard - Lawson State Community College (Ala.)

Aaliyah comes from Lawson State Community College where she started all 30 games played in the 2023-2024 season. She filled the stat sheet, averaging 11.7 points per game, five rebounds per game, 2.5 assists, and three steals per contest.

"Aaliyah is an amazing defender, and she would rather defend first over playing offense, which I love," Houser mentioned. "She is a competitor, loves to score the ball, and finds great ways to transition into successful play on offense. I am excited to see what she brings to the court."

Nadea Smith - Forward - Union Grove High School

Nadea is one of the most decorated high school forwards in the state of Georgia, scoring over 1,000 points in her career while also snagging 750 career rebounds for Union Grove. She was awarded Henry County School Athletic AD's Choice Female Athlete of the Year and First-Team All-Region in 2024. In addition, she was Union Grove's Offensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season and the Team MVP in 2023-24. Smith was also a part of two region titles, and a pair of State Championship Elite appearances with Union Grove.

"We got a great one with Nadea," Houser stated. "You do not get a lot of players that are as competitive as her. When she steps out on the court, she is fierce. She will provide a great sense of leadership through her work ethic alone. Nadea is strong, fast, has a high basketball IQ and attacks the rim like a young Angel Reese. She will be a player that fans will enjoy watching play for Columbus State, and she should keep the Lady Cougars in talks on the national stage."

The Lady Cougars will take part in a scrimmage at Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) and an exhibition at NCAA Division I foe Alabama prior to tipping-off the season at the Tusculum Regional Challenge on Nov. 9-10 in Greeneville, Tenn. Columbus State will remain on the road until the home opener in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on Nov. 30 against Wingate (N.C.).