Teammates praised her “high motor” and “winning mentality,” while Miller called her a “hooper.” Poa aims to revitalize the offense after last season’s struggles.

“She is competitive,” Miller said. “I always joke it’s easier to say ‘whoa’ than ‘giddy up,’ and I sometimes have to say ‘whoa’ to Poa. She is wired with that competitive nature; she never stops, and her motor is always on.”

Poa’s journey to the Sun Devils was a challenging one. A zero-star recruit from Melbourne, Australia, she attended Northwest Florida State College, where she won NJCAA Tournament MVP honors and led the team to a national championship in 2021.

“I think preparation coming into JUCO was really hard,” Poa said. “Working every day, believing in myself, writing the goals down, and just achieving them. I established my name, myself, won a championship there, and then went to another championship.”

Poa’s dominant JUCO play earned her a four-star rating in the transfer portal, making her the top-ranked junior college transfer in the country after her freshman season. She ultimately committed to LSU.

Her time in Baton Rouge was well spent. Poa learned under one of the greatest women’s basketball coaches in history, Kim Mulkey. 

Under Mulkey’s guidance, Poa showcased her defensive prowess and ability to press up on any opponent from anywhere on the court, averaging 1.1 steals per game during the 2023-24 season.

Poa was a key piece for the Tigers over the past two seasons. In 2022-23, she started 10 games and set career highs in points, minutes, rebounds, assists, blocks and field goal percentage. 

While her offensive production dipped last year, Poa remained a defensive weapon. She started 15 games and appeared in every postseason contest through LSU’s Elite Eight run.

What Poa brings to Arizona State extends beyond experience. The Sun Devils will lean on her leadership and work ethic as she becomes a valuable asset for Miller on the court.

“I mean, just showing them discipline,” Poa said. “It comes from that work, working every day, being the first one here and last one to leave … surround yourself with good people and make your circle small.”

Poa always looks to help her teammates, sharing her experience and wisdom whenever they ask.

She and her teammates will aim to make their mark defensively in Miller’s system, which prides itself on toughness. Last season, the Sun Devils ranked outside the top 200 nationally in points allowed per game.

“I always say that defense is the biggest part,” Poa said. “I want to be a defensive stopper and be an All-American, and at the end of the day, win it all.”