McMillan Signs Five For 2026-27
11/12/2025 10:55:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MARTIN, Tenn. - University of Tennessee at Martin head women's basketball coach Kevin McMillan signed five players Wednesday who will become Skyhawks for the 2026-27 season.
"We are extremely excited to welcome this talented group of student-athletes to our program," said McMillan. "Each of these young women brings a unique skill set, strong character, and a championship mentality that align perfectly with our team culture. They are competitors, great teammates, and proven winners who will make an immediate impact on and off the court.  They represent everything we value—toughness, versatility, unselfishness, and a love for the game.  They each bring something special to the table, but what truly stands out is how well they fit together. Their work ethic and character will elevate our program to another level.
Read below for more on each signee.
Lily Espelet • 6-1 • F • College Grove, Tenn. (Page HS)
Espelet is the 30th-ranked player in the state of Tennessee in the Class of 2026 according to Prep Girls Hoops. She is an All-Conference selection and helped lead her club team to the 2022 MADE Hoops championship. Off the court, she has a 4.06 GPA, is a member of FCA and HOSA – Future Health Professionals. She is also involved in mission work with trips Encinitas, California and Costa Rica.
McMillan on Espelet: "Lily Espelet is a tremendous addition to our program. She is an exceptionally versatile player with a high basketball IQ and a relentless work ethic. Having developed under the guidance of veteran coach Randy Coffman, Lily embodies an "old school" mentality—she knows how to compete, prepare, and play the game the right way. Her ability to perform at both the wing and post positions, combined with her multi-level scoring ability, makes her a seamless fit for our system. Lily's toughness, discipline, and team-first mindset will make an immediate impact on our success."
Na'Kayjah Holman • 5-8 • G • Winchester, Tenn. (Franklin County HS)
Holman is ranked as one of the top players in the Tennessee Class of 2026 by Prep Girls Hoops. She was named as the Winter Female Athlete of the Year by the Heald Chronicle. In 2024-25, she helped lead Franklin County to a runner-up finish in the District 8AAA tournament. For the season, she was second on the team in points per game with 11.5. In the classroom, Holman has a perfect 4.0 GPA.
McMillan on Holman: "Na'kayjah Holman is an explosive, dynamic guard who brings speed, creativity, and competitiveness to our roster. She excels both with and without the basketball, displaying the ability to make those around her better. Coming from a strong basketball family, Na'kayjah plays with a toughness and confidence that reflect her background. She possesses a winning mentality, elite defensive ability, and the skill set to contribute immediately. Her quickness, intensity, and leadership qualities will elevate our program from day one."
Sadie Meyer • 5-11 • G • Cherokee Village, Ark. (Highland HS)
Meyer is ranked as one of the top players in Sharp County by Prep Girls Hoops. In 2024-25, she helped lead Highland to the Class 4A Region 2 championship game. In her freshman season, she was both an All-Conference and All-State selection.
McMillan on Meyer: "Sadie Meyer is the definition of a complete basketball player. Her versatility allows her to excel at multiple guard positions, and her toughness and work ethic set her apart. Sadie can score at all three levels and is regarded as an elite shooter. Her length and instincts make her an outstanding rebounder from the guard position. As a coach's daughter, playing for her father, Coach Cecil Meyer, she brings a disciplined, team-oriented approach and a deep understanding of the game. Sadie's leadership and drive will make her a valuable piece of our team culture"
Olivia Smith • 5-8 • G • Tupelo, Miss. (Tupelo HS)
Smith helped lead Tupelo to the Class 7A state championship in 2024-25. In the title game, she scored 12 points with three rebounds and a block. Following the season, she was selected to compete in the Mississippi North/South All-Star Game. She also competed in the Northeast Mississippi Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game, where she was selected as the Offensive Player of the Game. Smith was also ranked as the 10th-best player in the state for the upcoming season by the Magnolia Shine Podcast.
McMillan on Smith: "Olivia Smith is a proven winner who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. A state champion under Coach Matt Justice, Olivia brings championship experience and a competitor's mindset to our program. She is a dynamic guard capable of scoring at all three levels and facilitating with precision. Her athleticism and defensive intensity make her an elite on-ball defender, while her leadership and composure allow her to run a team effectively. Olivia's toughness, skill, and winning mentality will make an immediate and lasting impact."
Curnesha Taylor • 5-9 • G/F • Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis Business Academy)
Taylor helped lead Memphis Business Academy to the Class 2A state tournament last season. She averaged 15.1 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals, 1.9 assists and 0.9 blocks last season. She is ranked as the 70th best player in Tennessee, according to Max Preps. Following the season, she was named as an All-State selection by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association.
McMillan on Taylor: "Curnesha Taylor brings an "old school" feel to the game—poised, intelligent, and always two steps ahead on the court. Her versatility allows her to play effectively on the perimeter or in the post, and she can score efficiently at all three levels. Curnesha's greatest strength lies in her adaptability—whether it's defending multiple positions, rebounding, or distributing, she consistently provides whatever her team needs. Her unselfishness, composure, and team-first attitude make her a coach's dream and an invaluable addition to our program."
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"We are extremely excited to welcome this talented group of student-athletes to our program," said McMillan. "Each of these young women brings a unique skill set, strong character, and a championship mentality that align perfectly with our team culture. They are competitors, great teammates, and proven winners who will make an immediate impact on and off the court.  They represent everything we value—toughness, versatility, unselfishness, and a love for the game.  They each bring something special to the table, but what truly stands out is how well they fit together. Their work ethic and character will elevate our program to another level.
Read below for more on each signee.
Lily Espelet • 6-1 • F • College Grove, Tenn. (Page HS)
Espelet is the 30th-ranked player in the state of Tennessee in the Class of 2026 according to Prep Girls Hoops. She is an All-Conference selection and helped lead her club team to the 2022 MADE Hoops championship. Off the court, she has a 4.06 GPA, is a member of FCA and HOSA – Future Health Professionals. She is also involved in mission work with trips Encinitas, California and Costa Rica.
McMillan on Espelet: "Lily Espelet is a tremendous addition to our program. She is an exceptionally versatile player with a high basketball IQ and a relentless work ethic. Having developed under the guidance of veteran coach Randy Coffman, Lily embodies an "old school" mentality—she knows how to compete, prepare, and play the game the right way. Her ability to perform at both the wing and post positions, combined with her multi-level scoring ability, makes her a seamless fit for our system. Lily's toughness, discipline, and team-first mindset will make an immediate impact on our success."
Na'Kayjah Holman • 5-8 • G • Winchester, Tenn. (Franklin County HS)
Holman is ranked as one of the top players in the Tennessee Class of 2026 by Prep Girls Hoops. She was named as the Winter Female Athlete of the Year by the Heald Chronicle. In 2024-25, she helped lead Franklin County to a runner-up finish in the District 8AAA tournament. For the season, she was second on the team in points per game with 11.5. In the classroom, Holman has a perfect 4.0 GPA.
McMillan on Holman: "Na'kayjah Holman is an explosive, dynamic guard who brings speed, creativity, and competitiveness to our roster. She excels both with and without the basketball, displaying the ability to make those around her better. Coming from a strong basketball family, Na'kayjah plays with a toughness and confidence that reflect her background. She possesses a winning mentality, elite defensive ability, and the skill set to contribute immediately. Her quickness, intensity, and leadership qualities will elevate our program from day one."
Sadie Meyer • 5-11 • G • Cherokee Village, Ark. (Highland HS)
Meyer is ranked as one of the top players in Sharp County by Prep Girls Hoops. In 2024-25, she helped lead Highland to the Class 4A Region 2 championship game. In her freshman season, she was both an All-Conference and All-State selection.
McMillan on Meyer: "Sadie Meyer is the definition of a complete basketball player. Her versatility allows her to excel at multiple guard positions, and her toughness and work ethic set her apart. Sadie can score at all three levels and is regarded as an elite shooter. Her length and instincts make her an outstanding rebounder from the guard position. As a coach's daughter, playing for her father, Coach Cecil Meyer, she brings a disciplined, team-oriented approach and a deep understanding of the game. Sadie's leadership and drive will make her a valuable piece of our team culture"
Olivia Smith • 5-8 • G • Tupelo, Miss. (Tupelo HS)
Smith helped lead Tupelo to the Class 7A state championship in 2024-25. In the title game, she scored 12 points with three rebounds and a block. Following the season, she was selected to compete in the Mississippi North/South All-Star Game. She also competed in the Northeast Mississippi Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game, where she was selected as the Offensive Player of the Game. Smith was also ranked as the 10th-best player in the state for the upcoming season by the Magnolia Shine Podcast.
McMillan on Smith: "Olivia Smith is a proven winner who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. A state champion under Coach Matt Justice, Olivia brings championship experience and a competitor's mindset to our program. She is a dynamic guard capable of scoring at all three levels and facilitating with precision. Her athleticism and defensive intensity make her an elite on-ball defender, while her leadership and composure allow her to run a team effectively. Olivia's toughness, skill, and winning mentality will make an immediate and lasting impact."
Curnesha Taylor • 5-9 • G/F • Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis Business Academy)
Taylor helped lead Memphis Business Academy to the Class 2A state tournament last season. She averaged 15.1 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals, 1.9 assists and 0.9 blocks last season. She is ranked as the 70th best player in Tennessee, according to Max Preps. Following the season, she was named as an All-State selection by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association.
McMillan on Taylor: "Curnesha Taylor brings an "old school" feel to the game—poised, intelligent, and always two steps ahead on the court. Her versatility allows her to play effectively on the perimeter or in the post, and she can score efficiently at all three levels. Curnesha's greatest strength lies in her adaptability—whether it's defending multiple positions, rebounding, or distributing, she consistently provides whatever her team needs. Her unselfishness, composure, and team-first attitude make her a coach's dream and an invaluable addition to our program."
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