Breaking Update: LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball Star Last-Tear Poa Reportedly Seeking Return to Former Junior College Team Amid Recent Developments
Baton Rouge, LA – April 30, 2025
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the women’s college basketball world, LSU Tigers standout Last-Tear Poa is reportedly seeking a transfer back to her former junior college team, Northwest Florida State College, amid what sources describe as “deep personal and program-related developments” at LSU.
Poa, a junior guard widely regarded for her defensive tenacity, leadership, and high basketball IQ, has been a crucial part of the Tigers’ roster over the past two seasons, contributing to their 2023 national championship run and helping maintain LSU’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse. However, insiders close to the program indicate that mounting internal tensions and a recent coaching staff shake-up have left Poa disillusioned and considering a dramatic shift in her athletic journey.
A Star with Junior College Roots
Last-Tear Poa, who hails from Oceanside, California, first made waves at Northwest Florida State, where she averaged 18.5 points and 5.2 assists per game and led the Raiders to a JUCO national title in 2022. Her performance there caught the eye of top Division I recruiters, eventually landing her a scholarship at LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey.
Poa quickly became known for her gritty style and adaptability on the court. She played a hybrid role — sometimes as a starting guard, other times coming off the bench as a sixth-woman spark — always bringing intensity and selflessness. But behind the scenes, sources suggest Poa struggled with inconsistent minutes and philosophical differences with the coaching staff.
Program Turmoil at LSU?
While LSU continues to attract elite recruits and remain in the national spotlight, this season has been marked by behind-the-scenes drama. Two assistant coaches abruptly departed in early March, and reports surfaced of internal disagreements over playing time, team culture, and player development. Poa, according to several unnamed sources, felt increasingly marginalized as the team leaned into a star-centric offense that left role players with diminished responsibilities.
“She’s a winner, plain and simple,” said a former JUCO teammate who asked not to be named. “But at LSU, she’s been feeling like just another piece in the system — not the dynamic leader she was at Northwest Florida.”
A Return to Roots?
What has stunned many observers is not just Poa’s intention to leave LSU, but her reported desire to return to the junior college level — a rare move for a player of her caliber. NCAA rules allow for such transfers under special circumstances, especially if the athlete is seeking to reestablish eligibility or dealing with mental health and wellness issues.
Northwest Florida State College has yet to confirm or deny the rumors, but a statement from the school’s athletic director on Tuesday evening acknowledged “a deep and ongoing respect for our alumni, especially those like Last-Tear Poa who have gone on to represent our program with distinction.”
Mixed Reactions
Social media has exploded with reactions from fans and analysts. Some are expressing confusion over why a player at the peak of her Division I career would consider stepping back to a JUCO program, while others see it as a bold move to reclaim control over her basketball narrative.
“This isn’t about taking a step down,” said one analyst on ESPNW. “This is about a player who wants to reset, breathe, and possibly rediscover the love of the game that made her great in the first place.”
Meanwhile, LSU has remained tight-lipped. Head coach Kim Mulkey issued a brief statement: “We support all our student-athletes and are committed to their well-being and growth, wherever that journey may take them.”
What Comes Next?
If Poa does leave LSU, it could open the door for other role players to step up, but it may also prompt further scrutiny into the internal culture of the program. For Poa, the path forward remains uncertain — but if history is any indication, she won’t be counted out.
“She’s not running away,” said a former JUCO coach familiar with the situation. “She’s recalibrating. Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to go back to where it all started.”
Only time will tell whether Poa’s next chapter involves a return to JUCO stardom or becomes a stepping stone toward something even greater.