The University of Akron Athletics
Akron WBB Unveils Newcomer Class
November 12 | Women's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's basketball squad under the leadership of third-year head coach Ryan Gensler, has announced the Zips' signing class that will hit the court for during the 2026-27 campaign.
Donning the Akron uniform next season will be Kaylah Thornton (Dayton, Ohio).
"Kaylah is a dynamic guard on both ends of the floor who brings an incredible work ethic, elite motor, and the kind of maturity and integrity that elevates everyone around her," said Gensler.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Thornton, a 5-9 guard, comes to Akron from Kettering Fairmont High School in Dayton, Ohio. A dynamic guard, she is known for her ability to contribute offensively and with her tenacious defense. Ranked as the No. 195 player in the country according to Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, she helped lead Kettering Fairmont to a berth in the regional final a season ago as a junior after her squad captured district and conference titles during the 2024-25 campaign. A three-time All-District and All-Conference honoree, she garnered Second-Team All-State accolades in Division I as junior after averaging 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 steals and 2.3 assists per contest. As a sophomore she pulled in Honorable Mention All-State laurels. Akron was top-rated recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference according to Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report in 2024 and ranked No. 2 for the 2025 signing class.
2026-27 Akron Women's Basketball Signing Class
Kaylah Thornton, G, 5-9, Dayton, Ohio (Kettering Fairmont)
Donning the Akron uniform next season will be Kaylah Thornton (Dayton, Ohio).
"Kaylah is a dynamic guard on both ends of the floor who brings an incredible work ethic, elite motor, and the kind of maturity and integrity that elevates everyone around her," said Gensler.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Thornton, a 5-9 guard, comes to Akron from Kettering Fairmont High School in Dayton, Ohio. A dynamic guard, she is known for her ability to contribute offensively and with her tenacious defense. Ranked as the No. 195 player in the country according to Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, she helped lead Kettering Fairmont to a berth in the regional final a season ago as a junior after her squad captured district and conference titles during the 2024-25 campaign. A three-time All-District and All-Conference honoree, she garnered Second-Team All-State accolades in Division I as junior after averaging 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 steals and 2.3 assists per contest. As a sophomore she pulled in Honorable Mention All-State laurels. Akron was top-rated recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference according to Dan Olson Collegiate Girls Basketball Report in 2024 and ranked No. 2 for the 2025 signing class.
2026-27 Akron Women's Basketball Signing Class
Kaylah Thornton, G, 5-9, Dayton, Ohio (Kettering Fairmont)
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