Headline: Twin Sisters Makayla and Jaliya Fontenot Forge Shared Destiny, Commit to LSU Tigers in Landmark Decision
BATON ROUGE, La. — In a move that solidifies a lifelong bond and a shared dream, elite basketball prospects Makayla and Jaliya Fontenot, identical twin sisters from Lafayette, Louisiana, announced their joint commitment to Louisiana State University on Thursday. The decision, celebrated by the LSU community as a monumental recruiting coup, underscores the powerful allure of Coach Kim Mulkey’s program and the unbreakable familial ties that guided their choice.
The Fontenot sisters, both 6-foot-1 forwards from St. Thomas More Catholic High School, are ranked among the top 25 players in the national class of 2025. Their announcement, made in a coordinated social media post featuring them in LSU jerseys with the caption “Home. #GeauxTigers,” sent waves of excitement through the college basketball world. For Coach Mulkey, securing a package deal of this caliber is not just a win on the recruiting trail; it’s a statement about the family culture she is building in Baton Rouge.
“This is where we always dreamed of playing together,” Makayla said in an exclusive interview following the announcement. “The chemistry we have is something you can’t coach. We know where the other is going to be on the court without even looking. To be able to bring that to our home state, to play for a legend like Coach Mulkey, and to do it alongside my sister… it’s a blessing we don’t take for granted.”
The recruitment of the Fontenot twins was a nationwide battle, with nearly every top-tier program vying for their talents. Schools like South Carolina, UConn, and Tennessee all made passionate pitches, offering the allure of national championships and individual development. However, the pull of home, combined with Mulkey’s relentless pursuit and a clear vision for their future, ultimately proved irresistible.
“We built a relationship with Coach Mulkey that felt like family,” Jaliya explained. “She didn’t just recruit us as players; she recruited us as people, as a unit. She has a proven track record with twins—look at what she did with the Collier sisters at Baylor. She understands the dynamic, and she sees it as a strength, not a complication. She told us we could be the cornerstones of the next great LSU team, and we believe her.”
The twins’ games, while complementary, are distinctly their own. Makayla is often described as a defensive stopper and a relentless rebounder with a high basketball IQ and a developing mid-range game. Jaliya is more of a offensive powerhouse, possessing a smooth three-point shot, an ability to drive to the basket, and a versatility that allows her to play multiple positions. Together, they form a nearly complete package on both ends of the floor.
“It’s a coach’s dream,” said St. Thomas More Coach Stephen Strojny. “You have two elite talents who are so in sync it’s almost telepathic. Makayla will get a steal and immediately know Jaliya is already leaking out for the fast break. They push each other every day in practice, they hold each other accountable, and their collective will to win is off the charts. LSU isn’t just getting two five-star recruits; they’re getting a built-in system.”
For LSU, this commitment is a testament to the soaring trajectory of the program under Mulkey. Since arriving in Baton Rouge, she has swiftly returned the Tigers to national prominence, culminating in the 2023 National Championship. That success, combined with her unique experience in maximizing the potential of twin sisters (Baylor’s Brittney and Brooklyn Griner were not twins, but a common misconception; Mulkey did coach twins like the Colliers), gave her a compelling narrative.
“Coach Mulkey sat in our living room and didn’t just draw up plays,” their mother, Denise Fontenot, recalled. “She drew up a life plan. She talked about education, about personal growth, about preparing for life after basketball. She looked us in the eye and promised she would take care of our girls like they were her own. When a Hall of Famer makes you that promise, and you see the results she gets, you believe it.”
The impact of this commitment extends beyond the court. In the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), the marketability of identical twin stars in a passionate market like Louisiana is significant. Their joint brand potential is immense, offering unique opportunities for local and national endorsements that most freshman athletes can only dream of.
The decision also sends a powerful message to other recruits: LSU is the premier destination for the nation’s best talent. Securing the top players from within the state’s borders is the first step in building a sustainable dynasty, and the Fontenots represent the very best of Louisiana basketball.
As they prepare for their senior season of high school, Makayla and Jaliya Fontenot do so with the pressure of their recruitment behind them and the excitement of their future ahead. They will arrive at LSU in 2025 as a package deal, a duo whose shared history is the foundation for what they hope will be a legacy of championships.
“We’ve shared everything—a room, a birthday, a dream,” Jaliya said, smiling at her sister. “Now we get to share a college, a team, and a journey to make LSU history. It’s the perfect next chapter for us.”
For LSU and its fans, the future just got twice as bright.
