NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State women's basketball head coach Jermaine Woods announced his first signee of the 2026-27 class, Asia Keels.
 
"Asia is someone who possesses all the qualities I want in a student-athlete," Woods said. "She's a leader with high character, an exceptional student, and a high-IQ player. I'm excited about our future as a program with the addition of Asia."
 
Keels, a 5-foot-2 guard from Chesapeake, Virginia, attends IMG Academy, where she's averaging 8.0 points and 5.0 assists per game this season. She committed to Norfolk State, choosing the Spartans over Old Dominion and Hampton. 
 
"Coach Woods has supported me since day one when I stepped onto campus," Keels said. "I felt the energy from the team and staff, showing me that it was the right fit for me and an environment that felt like family. I believe that they will continue to be the best version of myself."
 
As a junior, Keels averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 assists per game, helping lead IMG to the girls' basketball national championship. She also earned Ascender All-Star honors that season.
 
Before transferring to IMG, Keels played her first two high school seasons at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, earning first-team all-region, first-team all-state, and first-team All-Tidewater honors. She also excelled in the classroom as an honor roll student.
 
Norfolk State is off to a 2-1 start this season, earning wins over District of Columbia and Virginia State last week. The Spartans face their second nationally ranked opponent of the year, No. 15 Duke, this evening at 7 p.m. inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
 
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