Kaia Ponder joined the Alabama State University Athletic Program as the Coordinator of Athletic Development in June 2026, bringing a strong background in collegiate athletics, leadership, and student-athlete development.
Prior to joining the Hornets’ athletic administration, Ponder was a member of the Alabama State women’s basketball program, where she competed during the 2025-26 season. In her first season with Alabama State, she appeared in 29 games for the second time in her collegiate career, making four starts. Ponder contributed valuable minutes throughout the season, recording a career-best performance against Auburn Montgomery with nine points and four rebounds, while also producing key defensive efforts against Georgia and Vanderbilt.
Ponder began her collegiate career at Morgan State University, where she appeared in 75 games over three seasons. During the 2023-24 campaign, she played in 29 games with 10 starts, averaging 4.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. She recorded a season-opening double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds against Washington Adventist and posted several other standout performances during her time with the Bears.
A standout prep athlete at Richardson High School in Richardson, Texas, Ponder finished her high school career with 1,302 points and 500 rebounds. She averaged 18.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a senior while earning numerous accolades, including District 7-6A Offensive Player of the Year, RISD All-City MVP, team MVP, All-State honors, and a district championship. She was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee and competed with nationally recognized club programs, including Drive Nation, DFW Elite, and Lady Jets.
The Tulsa, Okla., native is the daughter of Willie Ponder and Tammy Hamilton. She comes from an athletic family, as her father played football at Southeast Missouri State University and spent time in the NFL. Ponder earned academic recognition throughout her collegiate career, being named to the Dean’s List in each of her first three years of college while participating in the Women’s Sports Foundation Mentorship Program.
