NEW ORLEANS, La. - A pair of Wilberforce University women's basketball players were honored by the HBCUAC for their play on the hardwood last week, the league announced today (Monday, February 23, 2026). 

Senior Jada Hairston and junior Makaia Smith were named Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Week.  

It's the first career weekly honor for both players and the first time a Wilberforce women's basketball player picked up the HBCUAC's weekly award this season. The only other time a WU women's hooper earned the conference's weekly laurel came in week nine last year as Makyla Tucker was awarded the Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Week honors.  

Smith averaged 15 points and nine rebounds, including a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double in Thursday's season-finale victory over Simmons. She added three steals and two assists as Wilberforce went 2-0 on the week. Smith is second on the team in scoring and rebounding with 11.6 points and 6.9 rebounds, respectively.  

Hairston averaged nine rebounds, 6.5 coming on the defensive end, en route to picking up the league's defensive honor. In Thursday's victory over the Falcons, Hairston pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds – 12 of which on the defensive end. She added three blocks and three steals in the week. Over the last four games, the 6-foot forward has averaged 9.5 rebounds with 12 blocks.  

Wilberforce (7-12 overall) opens HBCUAC Tournament action 11 a.m. Wednesday against Tougaloo, the West Division's fourth seed.