SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State women's basketball head coach Zenarae Antoine announced the addition of Alief Hastings High School standout Melinda Winston on Wednesday. 
 
The Houston native is a six-foot dual threat capable of playing both guard and forward. In her last season of high school basketball, she was averaging 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. She scored over 2,000 career points in high school, finishing her career just shy of 1,000 rebounds as well.
 
"Melinda had a great high school career as a scorer and rebounder," Antoine said. "Her natural size and strength at her position allowed her to dominate.  We are excited to welcome Mel and her family to Texas State"
 
Winston is the Hastings Girls Basketball record holder for her 2,088 career points, 989 rebounds and 439 steals. She was also a two-time 6A TABC All-State team member. She was the 2023 District 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 District 23-6A Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time First Team All-District team member. 
 
In addition to her on court success, Winston is a four-time District 23-6A Academic All-District team member, a four-time honor roll member and member of the National Honor Society. She was on the Hastings High School Class of 2024 Student Advisory Committee. 
 
She has also done extensive community outreach work, including being a Girl Scout, volunteer work at the Houston Food Bank, worked basketball camps and coached the Alief Youth League.
 
"Melinda is a much welcome addition to our freshman class," Antoine said. "She truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete."
 
Winston played for head coach Corey Brotherton while at Hastings, who knows Winston will succeed both on the court and in the classroom.
 
"Melinda signing with Texas State is a testament to her hard work and dedication," he said. "We are so proud to see her continue her journey and know that she will excel both on the court and in her studies!"
 
Winston joins an incoming freshman class of now four athletes, including Saniya Burks, Heather Baymon and Takeira Ramey who signed with the Bobcats in the winter.