BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb women's basketball program has signed three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Runnin' Bulldogs beginning in the fall of 2018, announced Gardner-Webb head coach Rick Reeves on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Mikayla Dyson (Lincolnton, N.C. / Lincolnton H.S.), Yamia Johnson (Columbia, S.C. / White Knoll H.S.) and Alexis Starks (Cincinnati, Ohio / West Clermont H.S. ) are set to join the program next season.
 
Dyson, a 5-11 power forward/center, has played all four years on the varsity squad at Lincolnton High School, earning North Carolina High School Association (NCHSA) All-Conference honors following her freshman, sophomore, and junior campaigns.  Last season, she averaged 18.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 3.0 blocks per game, which also earned her All-Gaston Gazette Honors.
 
"My coaches have always told me to go to a school I would want to go, even if I took basketball out of the equation," stated Dyson. "Gardner-Webb is that school.  It is strong spiritually and academically, and is a favorite in my hometown of Lincolnton.   The character and strength of this coaching staff and team is something I want to be a part of.  Gardner-Webb is my first choice and I am thrilled to be a Runnin' Bulldog!"
 
Johnson, a 6-0 guard, played the past three seasons at Gray Collegiate Academy before enrolling at White Knoll High School for her senior campaign.  Last season, Johnson averaged 25.2 points per game, earning South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) 2-A All-State honors and a spot on the All-Midlands Third Team.
 
"I'm feeling very nervous, yet relieved that this day has finally come," said Johnson after signing her NLI.  "All of my hard work and effort has paid off to get me this far.  I am truly blessed and thankful."
 
Starks, a 6-1 center, will play her senior season for the newly formed West Clermont High School after finishing her junior year at Glen Este High School, which merged with Amelia High School.  At Glen Este, she averaged 9.1 points and 6.0 rebounds, leading the team on a 11-1 run late in the season.  For her efforts, she earned 2016-17 Associated Press Southwest All-District Division I Honorable Mention honors.
 
"First I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game I love," stated Starks.  "Second, I would like to thank my family, coaches, and friends for all they have done for me.  I appreciate all the love."
 
The 2017-18 season continues for the Runnin' Bulldogs (2-1) as they host UCF on Friday evening at 7:00 pm in Paul Porter Arena.