BOONE, N.C. – App State women's basketball head coach Alaura Sharp announced the hiring of Nahja Scott as an assistant coach and the program's director of player development.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nahja Scott to our staff," Coach Sharp said. "Her energy and passion for the game is off the charts. Her track record of player development and marketing experience will be an immediate asset as we continue to build a championship culture."
Scott joins the Mountaineers after serving as a graduate assistant coach at Lamar University since May 2024. During her tenure with the Cardinals, she played a key role in player development, working primarily with post players and helping lead the team to a second-place finish in the Southland Conference and a 2026 WNIT appearance. Her coaching also contributed to the development of elite talent, including the 2024 Conference Player of the Year and the 2025 Student-Athlete of the Year.
Scott also served as Lamar's marketing liaison, using her skills to grow the program's social media presence by 10% and reaching over 25,000 engagements.
"Words cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity Coach Sharp has given me to join not only an amazing program, but an incredible staff as well," Scott said. "This program has been built on grit, hard work and togetherness, which are some values that have shaped my heart. Throughout the interview process, I truly felt like I fit seamlessly into the puzzle, and I am so thankful for how welcoming this staff has been to me."
Before coaching, Scott was a standout student-athlete and team co-captain at the University of New Orleans from 2021 to 2024. As a captain, she was recognized for her leadership and ability to cultivate an inclusive, family-oriented environment for teammates from diverse backgrounds.
"After getting to know Coach Sharp more, it comes as no surprise why this staff believes so strongly in her vision and stands behind her," Scott added. "The culture she has built is special, and I am excited for the opportunity to pour into this program and be a part of what's to come."
Scott holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of New Orleans and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration in Leadership from Lamar University.
