From Army Base Courts to NCAA Stardom: The Rise of Ta'Niya Latson, NCAAW's Leading Scorer

Ta'Niya Latson’s basketball journey is one of resilience, grit, and relentless determination. Starting from humble beginnings playing pickup games on Army bases in Hawaii, she has risen to become the nation's leading scorer in NCAA Women’s Basketball. Here's how she did it.

Early Days: Pickup Games in Hawaii

Latson’s story begins in Hawaii, where her father served in the Army. She often played pickup games against men on military bases, which instilled in her a rugged toughness and relentless drive. "It made me the player that I am," Latson recalls. "They’re super tough, and it forced me to use my athleticism to get to the basket."

Atlanta & South Florida: Honing Her Craft

After moving to Atlanta, Latson played high school basketball at Westlake, where she learned to compete in a faster-paced, more open style of play. Later, in South Florida, she refined her jump shot and defensive skills at American Heritage School. "She became the leader of her team, averaging 28 points a game," said her coach, Greg Farias.

Florida State: Rising to Stardom

At Florida State, Latson has become one of the most decorated players in school history. As a freshman, she set the ACC single-season freshman scoring record and won ACC Rookie of the Year. Now, as a junior, she leads the nation in scoring with 25.4 points per game and is on track to win ACC Player of the Year.

Key Achievements

• All-American as a Freshman
• ACC Rookie of the Year (2022)
• Leads NCAAW in Scoring (25.4 PPG)
• 2,000 Career Points in Just Three Seasons

What Sets Her Apart

Latson’s fearless mindset and ability to read the game make her a nightmare for defenders. "She’s got great basketball IQ," says teammate Makayla Timpson. "She knows when to drive, dish, or shoot."

Looking Ahead

Latson’s ultimate goal is a national championship with Florida State. "Winning a national championship is what I have left to accomplish," she says. With her leadership and skill, the Seminoles are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Watch out for Ta’Niya Latson as she continues to dominate the court and inspire the next generation of basketball players.