Auburn women’s basketball is set to receive a significant boost with the addition of DeYona Gaston, a standout transfer from Texas, for the 2024-25 season. The program announced Gaston's signing on Monday, highlighting her impressive accolades in the Big 12 conference.
The Pearland, Texas native, Gaston garnered recognition as the Big 12 Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, and in the previous season, she earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team.
Her contributions were pivotal in Texas's success, under Harris’ former mentor head coach Victor Schaefer, helping the team to a 33-5 record, secure the Big 12 Tournament title and attain a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Gaston averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, showcasing her ability to excel on both ends of the floor.
Coach Harris expressed excitement about Gaston's arrival, praising her skills as a scorer, defender, and rebounder.
“DeYona is a versatile athletic scorer with guard skills,” Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris said. “She can catch and shoot or attack off the bounce. She has great touch around the rim and defensively is a natural fit in our system. She is a monster rebounder, shot blocker and capable of defending multiple positions. She is another piece of the puzzle that the Auburn Family will embrace.”
Having played 106 games for Texas, Gaston brings valuable experience to the Tigers, with career averages of 9.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Her standout season in 2022-23 showcased her scoring abilities, finishing second in scoring for the Longhorns while leading the team in rebounds.
Gaston's decision to reunite with Coach Harris adds another layer of familiarity and trust to her collegiate journey. Despite considering other schools like Baylor, Gaston ultimately chose Auburn.
“I picked Auburn because of the family atmosphere that permeates the team and the city as a whole, in addition to the coaching staff's ability to help me grow and reach my goals,” Gaston said. “I wanted to be surrounded by winners, and Auburn has all of that—players, coaches, and staff. Auburn provides me with all I require to flourish and reach my full potential."
Joining Gaston are fellow newcomers Taliah Scott from Arkansas and incoming freshmen Syriah Daniels and Jordan Hunter. Harris and her staff will continue to polish the 2024-25 roster prior to the start of summer workouts.
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Patrick is a sophomore from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
