USC’s JuJu Watkins has been the one name on everyone’s mind. However, turns out the entire roster is much more impressive than what they let out. Rayah Marshall has been honored as one of the first-ever recipients of the prestigious Kay Yow Servant Leadership Award for the 2024-25 season. The award celebrates student-athletes embodying the spirit of leadership, selflessness, and service, reflecting the values inherited by Hall of Fame basketball coach Kay Yow.

As she enters her fourth season with USC, Rayah Marshall is on the verge of completing a major milestone, as she’s just four points away from reaching 1,000 career points. With an impressive 35 career double-doubles under her belt already, Marshall continues to be a standout player for the Trojans. Here’s everything you need to know about USC’s No.13.

Rayah Marshall: From high school star to USC standout

Born on November 15, 2003, in Los Angeles, California, Rayah Marshall grew up with her family. She is the daughter of Latonya Marshall-Jackson and Michael Jackson and has three siblings: Lee Jackson, Jimmaine Marshall, and Brian Johnson. Interestingly though, Rayah Marshall’s USC connection also runs deep. Her aunt, Keesha Davis, is a proud Trojan alumna.

Marshall graduated from Lynwood High School in 2021, making a name for herself as one of the top basketball talents in the country. She was ranked as the No. 27 player in the nation by ESPN, earning a prestigious honor as a 2021 McDonald’s All-American. During her junior year at Lynwood High, Marshall showcased her all-around game, averaging an impressive 18.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.4 steals per game.

She played a pivotal role in leading Lynwood High to the 2021 CIF Division IAA Championship, becoming one of the school’s all-time greats. Known for her scoring prowess, she dropped a whopping 50 points in a game against Bishop Montgomery as a sophomore and followed it up with a 43-point performance against Mater Dei during her senior year. Her talents weren’t bound by boundaries, as she marked her name internationally.

Rayah helped Team USA secure a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup, following a loss to Brazil (69-58) in the Championship Game. The Center played six games averaging 2.7 PPG and 5.2 RPG.

During her freshman season in 2021-22, Marshall made an immediate impact on the court, establishing herself as a standout player for USC. She ended the year by finishing No. 12 in the nation with an average of 2.54 blocks per game, becoming the third-leading scorer with 11.2 points per game and the top rebounder with 7.7 rebounds per game.

Rayah continued her influence in the 2022-23 season, showcasing her incredible defensive and offensive skills, averaging 12.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, becoming the first Trojan to record a double-double average in a season after the legendary Tina Thompson in 1996-97. Marshall also made history by setting a new single-season blocks record for USC, tallying 98 blocks to surpass Lisa Leslie.

Rayah Marshall’s remarkable consistency continued in the 2023-24 season as she ranked No. 13 in the nation with 7.7 defensive rebounds per game, climbing the record books, standing at No. 10 in career rebounds with 873 and No. 3 in blocks with 234. In her 32 games that season she averaged a double-double with 10.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, along with 2.0 blocks and 1.2 steals.

Marshall’s impact goes far beyond her impressive performance on the court, she’s not only excelling in basketball but also making way for student-athletes to make a meaningful difference.

Shaping the future of student-athlete impact

Marshall has become a key figure for the Trojans, becoming a force on the court, ranking No.3 in career blocks and No. 8 in rebounds at USC, also receiving the inaugural Kay Yow Servant Leader Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership and commitment to giving back through community service in women’s basketball.

Her efforts to uplift her Los Angeles community have set her apart as a role model. Through this award, Marshall’s inspiring contributions are a perfect example of  Coach Yow values, paving the way for future generations to follow.

The USC women’s basketball team is making waves this season, currently ranked No. 6 in the nation. The Trojans continue their impressive momentum from the NCAA Elite Eight in 2024, continuing to prove themselves as one of the top programs in the country.

As the season progresses, Rayah Marshall focuses on leading her team to new heights in the NCAA tournament while staying true to her passion for community service. With growing recognition of student-athletes contributions beyond the court, more awards and initiatives are emerging to honor their impact both on and off the court.