Sakyia White may have left her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but she continues to build on the legacy she started there. 2121 scored points, 1645 rebounds and 378 blocks—White sets records wherever she goes.
White started playing basketball in seventh grade as an extracurricular activity. When she began high school at Central HS, she went on to lead in points, rebounds and blocks.
Despite being a prodigious basketball player, White has always struggled with self-confidence. This challenge started in high school and continued throughout college.
“I struggled with believing in myself early in high school, but my high school coach pushed me to be the person I am today,” White said.
White and her high school coach worked together to tackle how her low confidence impacted her game.
Throughout her journey, White also credited her mom and siblings as her biggest supporters. Their patience and encouragement helped her push through challenges.
“I really feel like my siblings motivate me because I’m the oldest, so I try to set a good example,” White said.
White acknowledged that her challenges came from underestimating her own abilities.
“In the beginning I wasn’t as athletic as I am now. I limited myself,” White said. “Once I pushed myself these limits, I realized how good I could be.”
After White overcame this roadblock, she put up record-breaking numbers, giving a glimpse at the player she would become.
Following her high school graduation, White spent her freshman year of college at North Alabama, quickly building an impressive resume. She earned Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year while racking up nine double-doubles and 22 blocks for the team.
White’s career was just beginning when she transferred to Jones College. Under the guidance of coach Missy Bilderback, White averaged a double-double each season. She earned first team JUCO All-American in both years and got voted 2022-2023 MACCC Player of the Year.
When White transferred to Florida State, her confidence issue resurfaced. She began to struggle again.
White played 32 games in Florida, averaging 2.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She only recorded 9.6 minutes. Her performance included a career-high 10 points against South Alabama.
Despite the challenge, White only had positive things to say about her experience there.
“The season at Florida State didn’t go as planned,” White said. “They [staff] were great people, great school and environment. But it just wasn’t what I expected it to be. And I realized I wasn’t who I used to be.”
This detour ultimately led her to Monroe where she reunited with her former Jones College coach Bilderback. The relationship proved to be more than just a professional connection; it became a turning point for White’s confidence.
Bilderback’s familiar presence provided a sense of stability and trust, allowing White to regain faith in herself.
Under Bilderback once again, White is determined to reach the same level of success she had at Jones.
As White continues her journey with ULM, she is proving that persistence and believing in yourself are the keys to overcoming challenges. Her first three games as a Warhawk have shown the player she’s grown into.
White posted 18 points and six rebounds while maintaining her perfect shooting record from the court in her first game. Against Louisiana Christian, she dropped 10 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. In the Warhawks most recent game against Southern Illinois, White contributed 14 rebounds and seven points. With basketball season just starting, each performance highlights her growth.
White is showing that her story is still unfolding, one game at a time.
