Motivated by the advice “never give up,” Aniya 'Nyny' Lawrence plays every game with a contagious spirit that lifts her teammates and defines her as one of the most dynamic players on the floor.
Before arriving at Vincennes, Nyny developed her game at Bond Academy, excelling in multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, bowling, and even archery. Her athletic versatility helped her earn recognition as a gold medalist, MVP, athlete of the year, and all-star—honors that reflect both her work ethic and her ability to lead by example. Her most memorable moment came when she recorded her first career block, a play she says made her “fall in love with defense.” Her season goals are clear: improve her ball-handling skills, make smarter decisions on the floor, and help her team compete for every win.
Off the court, Nyny’s creativity shines. She enjoys sewing, knitting, crocheting, and spending time dancing—something few people know she does exceptionally well. Her favorite food is roti, her go-to midnight snack is mango, and she admits she can’t imagine a week without music, especially dancehall favorites like “Take It Easy.” Her favorite athlete, Dennis Rodman, inspires her relentless energy and willingness to do the little things that make teams successful.
Away from the gym, she describes herself as friendly but reserved, often surprising people who assume she’s shy when they first meet her. Her favorite saying, “Follow fashion monkey nuh boil good soup,” reflects her individuality and her pride in staying true to herself. She dreams of one day visiting Jamaica, her favorite vacation spot, and if she could trade places with anyone, it would be Giannis Antetokounmpo, to experience life at basketball’s highest level.
Majoring in Business, Nyny is still exploring her long-term career path but knows it will involve leadership and creativity. She chose Vincennes University because she “liked the coaches” and felt a strong sense of support from the program.
Coach Johnson on Aniya...
“Aniya is one of the most aggressive competitors in our gym. She can score at all three levels, but what separates her is the mentality she brings to every drill and every possession. She attacks everything with purpose, competes at a high level, and has a genuine desire to win. Her energy and competitiveness will be a huge part of who we are this season"
