West Coast Guard Aniya Hooker Commits to East’s D1 Siena Hoops

Lynnwood High School (Wash.) senior combo guard Aniya Hooker was looking for a college to call home for the next four years of her life. One of her basketball coaches was sending out her tape to programs all over the country, as the college recruiting process typically entails.

But Hooker never envisioned that it would take her across the country to Division I Siena College in Loudonville, New York, as she recently committed to the school and women’s basketball program.

The 5-foot-9 player, who also suits up for AAU Team Stuck 360, had several offers–from JUCOs to D1s–11 programs in total, per Hooker. Plus, interests from UTEP, UTRGV, Saint Francis, Cal Poly, among others.

“Coach Jim Primm (assistant) and the staff at Siena liked what they saw (on video), and I was on the phone with them the next day,” Hooker recalled. “I honestly think it was God’s will, because if it wasn’t for his opportunity, I would’ve never known that Siena was such a great match for me.”

So, what has Hooker ultimately heading out East in pursuit of an education and hoops experience after graduation?

“I decided to go to Siena because it checked off all the boxes,” she explained. “Such a warm environment despite the freezing temperature. The girls made me feel like I was already a freshman on the team. I felt the hospitality from the staff and had a really genuine and comforting talk with coach Jim. Coach Primm reminds me a lot of my AAU coach and mentor Rodney Stuckey. His knowledge and strategy of basketball in general matches with mine and I can really see myself working with him and coach Jim on making Siena an even better team then I already think they are.”

Hooker, one of the top senior players in Washington state, drained her high school career 1000 point during the week.

Furthermore, what Siena will get in Hooker is a genuine leader who pushes the ball up court, especially in transition, while staying under control as she directs traffic and make her teammates on the hardwood even better, she noted.

While Hooker will be traveling over 3000 miles away from home, she does not sound apprehensive about her future. In fact, she is pumped to play at the next level and study business and marketing at Siena after high school.

“I’m excited for what the future brings,” Hooker emphasized. “I’m ready to make history and start a new chapter on the East Coast with Siena. I’m super excited to be a Saint and reunite with my new teammate and coaches.”

Hooker hopes that other East Coast schools are not afraid to venture out West for potential college recruits, just like Siena did with her.

“Everyone is so scared to recruit West Coast kids on the East Coast and a lot of West Coast schools really overlooked my talent for whatever reason,” Hooker said. “But I am so ready to showcase who I am. Not everyone on the West is afraid to come to the East. I just needed one coach to believe in me and I was blessed to be a prospect for so many, when others don’t even get a chance. I am proud to represent Washington State to the fullest and all the other kids that get overlooked. Don’t sleep on the West Coast; we have so many talents out here.”

— Jerry Del Priore