Sophomore guard Yanessa Boyd returns for her second season at SFU this winter and she is poised to make a significant impact on the basketball court in 2024-25.
After an impressive first season in which she played all 30 games, Boyd has picked up where she left off five games into this year’s schedule.
“I feel like I can capitalize on my performance from last year,” she said.
The Frederick, Maryland native currently leads her team in scoring, averaging 8.4 points per game. She also paces the Flash in minutes per game (28.6).
Boyd scored six points in her team’s last game, a 65-52 home loss to Loyola-Maryland on Nov. 17.
The Criminal Justice major averaged 7.1 points per game last year, including a
12-point performance at Rutgers.
“Every game is a new opportunity, and I want to make a difference,” said Boyd.
SFU is still looking for its first win this season. The Flash are 0-5 and return to action on Nov. 20 at Robert Morris.
“We want to win,” said Boyd. “We were projected fifth (in the NEC), but we intend to exceed these expectations.
“We have a group that understands what it takes to succeed, and that’s what drives me.”
Despite the slow start to the 2024-25 season, Boyd said she sees a major difference from last year’s team, one she believes will help the Flash.
“We have a lot of depth. Our goal is to maintain intensity every time we make substitutions.
“We have players who love to work hard and are willing to give it all on the court.”
Boyd has scored in double figures twice this season against Coppin State (10) and Canisius (12). She also grabbed five rebounds against Coppin.
“Everyone’s doing their part,” said Boyd, “but our freshmen are really going to spark things.”
In SFU’s last game against Loyola, freshman Airah Lavy scored 16 points and made four of her six shots from three-point range.
Boyd said her parents, Yessira and Marcus Boyd, as well as other family members, provide her steady support.
Her father played collegiate football at Shepherd and her sister, Yanniah, is a sophomore guard on the basketball team at Binghamton University.
Yanessa said that one of the keys for her team to enjoy a successful season is a positive mindset.
She has the opportunity to help set this tone as a team captain.
Following the game at Robert Morris, Boyd will have the opportunity to compete in her home state when the Flash play at Maryland on Nov. 24. Tip-off against the Terrapins is at 1 p.m.
