LIVINGSTON, Ala. — West Alabama women's basketball fans have plenty to be excited about this season as the Tigers welcome three newcomers: Summer Hicks, Bellah Machen, and Chardai Watkins. Each brings a wealth of experience, proven performance, and a competitive edge to the 2025–26 roster.
Summer Hicks – Forward
Summer Hicks joins UWA after an impressive 2024–25 season at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. She appeared in 27 games, averaging 4.1 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 25.0 percent from three, and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. She totaled 110 points, 119 rebounds, and 16 assists, highlighted by a career-high 27 points against Reid State Community College. Other notable performances include 20 points vs. Reid State Technical College, 10 points with 7 rebounds at Lurleen B. Wallace CC, and 8 points with 4 rebounds vs. Albany Technical College. Summer helped lead Chattahoochee Valley to the 2024–25 Juco Championship, showcasing her ability to make an impact in big games.
Before transferring to Chattahoochee Valley, Summer spent time at Alabama State University, appearing in limited action and totaling 8 points and 8 rebounds. A standout at Marbury High School in Deatsville, Alabama, she earned Defensive Player of the Year honors three times and consistently displayed her commitment to both ends of the floor. Summer also earned her Associate degree, combining academic success with on-court excellence.
Bellah Machen – Guard/Forward
Bellah Machen arrives from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, bringing three seasons of experience. In 2024–25, she appeared in 32 games, averaging 14.4 minutes per game and 3.6 points per contest while recording 115 points, 99 rebounds, and 18 assists. She posted a season-high 15 points against Trevecca Nazarene and a season-high 10 rebounds against Christian Brothers.
Bellah's previous seasons at UAH included multiple accolades: she was named to the GSC Honor Roll and CSC Academic All-District in 2023–24. That season, she appeared in 27 games, started nine times, and averaged 10 points per game while totaling a team-high 270 points and recording 51 made three-pointers. She had multiple 23-point games against West Alabama, West Georgia, and Montevallo.
A strong student-athlete, Bellah prepped at Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, Alabama, helping lead the Blue Devils to four Area Championships. She earned All-State 6A First Team honors twice, five All-Area selections, and two All-Region honors, all while graduating as an Honor Graduate and member of the National Honor Society. Her scoring ability, leadership, and academic excellence make her an exciting addition to the Tigers' lineup.
Chardai Watkins – Guard
Chardai Watkins joins West Alabama from UL Monroe, bringing Division I experience and a versatile game. She played three games in 2024–25, recording seven points, four assists, and a rebound in the season opener vs. Central Baptist, and pulled down three rebounds vs. Louisiana Christian. In her first season at ULM (2023–24), she appeared in 14 games, averaging 2.2 points and 1.1 rebounds, including a standout debut with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals against Louisiana Christian. She also played in the WNIT matchup against Grambling State, logging three points and a rebound in 11 minutes.
Chardai began her collegiate career at Southern Miss in 2022–23, appearing in 30 games and starting four consecutive contests in January. She posted multiple notable performances, including six points and five rebounds at Marshall, eight points and five boards at App State, a season-best eight rebounds at ULM, and seven rebounds with four steals in her first collegiate start against Arkansas State.
At Sumter Central High School in York, Alabama, Chardai made a name for herself early, earning three ASWA All-State selections and finishing as a finalist for Class 4A Player of the Year. She was also recognized on the ASWA All-State First Team and The Tuscaloosa News Super Five as a senior. Despite sitting out her junior season with an injury, she consistently performed at a high level, averaging over 20 points and six rebounds in multiple seasons, posting several double-doubles, and making an immediate impact on varsity as an eighth-grader.
With Summer's championship experience, Bellah's scoring and leadership, and Chardai's Division I experience and versatility, these three newcomers give the Tigers an exciting mix of talent and experience to build around for the 2025–26 season. UWA fans can look forward to seeing these three make an immediate impact on the court.
