Junior forward LaNiya Scales brings size, versatility, and resilience to the Fayetteville State women's basketball program. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Scales joined the Broncos after beginning her collegiate career at Elizabeth City State University and arriving in Fayetteville with championship experience and a determined mindset.
Scales attended Quality Education Academy, where she helped lead her team to a 2022 State Championship. Her basketball journey was heavily influenced by her high school coach, who recognized her potential when she was in seventh grade and invested years into her development. She credits that mentorship for helping shape her into the player she is today.
At Fayetteville State, Scales is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and plans to attend the academy to become a probation and parole officer after graduation. She chose the Broncos because of the connection she built with Coach Reese and the opportunity to be part of a championship culture. She was drawn to the program's winning tradition and the belief that she could continue growing both personally and athletically under the coaching staff's guidance.
One of the biggest challenges of her career came when she was sidelined by an injury that kept her out of competition for approximately eight months. The experience taught her patience, perseverance, and the importance of trusting the rehabilitation process as she worked toward returning to the court.
Scales is motivated by her family's unwavering support and the sacrifices that helped her reach the collegiate level. On game days, she begins and ends her preparation with prayer, spends time getting up extra shots, and listens to music to help lock in mentally for competition.
Away from basketball, Scales enjoys cooking, painting cartoon characters, and installing wigs. Among her favorite memories in sports was the opportunity to play alongside her younger sister, creating a special family connection through the game she loves.
An active leader within the Fayetteville State community, Scales serves as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) leader and has participated in numerous community service initiatives, including welcoming elementary school students back to school, hosting basketball workshops at the Boys & Girls Club, assisting with freshman move-in, supporting football game operations, and participating in clothing drives.
Why Fayetteville State: "Coach Reese made me feel wanted and helped me see the potential of what I could become. I also wanted to be part of a championship culture."
What Makes FSU Special: The investment and accountability shown throughout the athletics department.
Major: Criminal Justice
Career Goal: Become a probation and parole officer
Biggest Athletic Influence: Her high school coach
Most Memorable Athletic Moment: Her final high school game
Favorite Sports Memory: Playing on the same team as her younger sister
Hobbies: Cooking, painting cartoon characters, and installing wigs
Leadership Role: SAAC Leader
Community Service: Boys & Girls Club basketball workshops, elementary school outreach, freshman move-in assistance, football game support, and clothing drives
Advice to Young Athletes: "Have confidence in your game. Trust the work you've put in, don't let others discourage you, learn from criticism, and keep moving forward."
Instagram: @am0urr.niyaa
Twitter/X: @ScalesLaniya
