WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard University women's basketball team had four athletes sign national letters of intent to join the program for the 2017-18 season.

"All of these young ladies embody the complete Howard student-athlete," said head coach Ty Grace. "They come from great families, are dedicated to getting their degree and being impact players for our program. I'm excited to coach them and we welcome them to our family!"

Kelsie Jacobs | 5-10 | Guard | Springfield, Mass. | Stoneleigh Burnham School

In her senior season, she is averaging 20.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 4.0 steals and 4.0 blocks at Stoneleigh Burnham…Has averaged a double-double in points and rebounds over the past two seasons...Picked up First Team All-Western Mass honors during her sophomore and junior campaigns.

Ty Grace on Jacobs: "Kelsie is a big wing that will cause matchup problems. She's also a good rebounder at the guard position. Her athleticism will propel her in the MEAC. I'm excited to see her compete in a Howard uniform."

Tariah Johnson | 5-11 | Point Guard | Chapel Hill, N.C. | Chapel Hill East High School

A four-year member of Chapel Hill East's women's basketball team, she is averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.0 blocks…Has been named to the All-PAC 6 Team all four years and was on the All-PAC 6 All-Star Team…She ranks among the top-five players in the conference in rebounds, assists and blocks…Off the court, she is a member of the National Honor Society and earned a spot on the National Achiever Society Honor Roll every year.

Ty Grace on Johnson: "Tariah is a versatile player that can play multiple positions. She can shoot the three and is a good passer. Her size and length gives her advantages on defense. She will be a great catalyst in our press."

Aminata Johnson | 6-3 | Center | Durham, N.C. | Voyager Academy

As a junior, she averaged 10.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game at Voyager Academy…Also a member of the volleyball team, where she was a conference honorable mention…During her sophomore year on the track team, she placed third in the 300m hurdles at the conference championship meet…Named Most Improved Player by the basketball team...Part of the National Junior Honor Society and AB Honor Roll.

Ty Grace on Johnson: "Aminata is a physical and aggressive post. She runs the floor well and is a smart defender. As she continues to develop, she will be one of the top post in the conference and a presence in the front court for us."

Jayla Thornton | 5-10 | Guard | Newark, N.J. | Newark Tech High School

Current captain of the women's basketball team at Newark Tech…Led her team to the 2014 Newark Public School Holiday Tournament Championship and was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament in 2015…Placed on the Newark Public School All-Tournament Team as a junior…Earned MVP honors at the Dann Finn Classic in 2014 and 2015...Added to the NJ All-Group 1 girls basketball team as a junior…In the classroom, she is a four-year recipient of high academic honors and joined the National Honor Society in 2016.

Ty Grace on Thornton: "Jayla is one of the best shooters in this class. Flat out shooter! She will certainly keep defenses honest and she has an ability to create her own shot. She's an extremely hard worker and a gym rat. Exactly what we need in our program."