Sanaa Tripp Brings Winning Pedigree to St. John’s

“At the end of the day, everything we do is just something to do, and I play basketball because it’s what I love.”

Incoming St. John’s Red Storm transfer guard Sanaa Tripp doesn’t take the game of basketball for granted. While her play on the court largely speaks for itself, it’s her mindset and approach to the game that often leave the biggest impression.

Hailing from Covington, Georgia, basketball gave Tripp a chance to grow not only as an athlete but also as a person.

Her experiences from a young age included fierce competition in high school and playing AAU basketball for Supreme Team on the Under Armour Association circuit. All opportunities that allowed her to compete against the best players in the country and elevate her own game.

From learning how to be a team player to developing a relentless desire to succeed, Tripp seemed destined for greatness. It was only a matter of time.

The thing about life is that oftentimes you don’t know how strong you are until you’re put to the test.

Unfortunately for Tripp, that test came during her sophomore year of high school when she tore her left ACL.

“It really showed me how easily basketball can be taken away,” she told The Portal Report.

After relying on her faith and shifting her perspective, Tripp rebuilt herself better than ever.

She knew if she wanted to get back to where she was, she had to go through the hard times. Tripp embraced the uncomfortable moments and in challenging herself, she found growth.

In an astonishing five and a half months she was cleared to return, her speedy recovery a testament to her eccentric work ethic.

Tripp went on to become an integral player during her two-year tenure at Belmont.

She embarked on two championship runs as a freshman, helping the program to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship game and Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) Final respectively. Although the Bruins didn’t win either, the experiences only benefited a young point guard in Tripp.

This past season was a complete one for Tripp, where she posted career-high averages of nearly 8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

She delivered one of the best performances of her career against Northern Iowa, exploding for a career-high 25 points on 81.8% shooting while knocking down five of her six attempts from beyond the arc. She also finished with four rebounds, five assists and a steal.

These numbers, and the success of the Bruins who won 20 games, led to Tripp earning MVC Sixth Player of the Year.

The @MVCsports 𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 is none other than our own @SanaaTripp!! 👏

📰 🔗 https://t.co/556JPUItO5#ItsBruinTime | #Splashville pic.twitter.com/zvRXu2SFVl

— Belmont WBasketball (@BelmontWBB) March 11, 2026

Tripp has always been ready when her number is called. Whether her team needed defensive energy off the bench or a spark on offense, she consistently made an impact as the first named brought off the sidelines.

Now, as she heads to New York, Tripp will look to bring that same energy and mentality to St. John’s: a program looking to revitalize its winning culture within a historic and basketball latent city. 

As head coach Joe Tartamella enters his 15th season, he’ll have one of the best guards in the country to work with. His encouragement was already pivotal in getting Tripp to Carnesecca Arena this offseason.

“Coach Joe had faith in me before I even touched a ball in Queens,” Tripp said. “So just knowing that he has the utmost belief and confidence in me means the world.”

Excited to have Sanaa join the Johnnies!

📰: https://t.co/HGgKyADA4E#OwnIt | #ForOurCity pic.twitter.com/DNcayBTvR7

— St. John’s WBB (@StJohnsWBB) April 23, 2026

When the chemistry is clicking off the court, it usually shows between the white lines. Luckily for Tripp, Tartamella isn’t the only one who believes in her.

Standout sophomore forward Sa’Mya Wyatt is also familiar with Tripp’s game as the pair grew up playing together back in their native Georgia.

College basketball has recently seen former teammates reunite at the highest level, most notably Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, two fellow Georgia natives who played together for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

With Tripp and Wyatt back together, the sky is the limit and a storm is definitely brewing in Jamaica, Queens.

Behind all of the talent in the world, and the blessing of playing basketball at the highest collegiate level, Tripp is still simply keeping a level head.

Her humility and appreciation for the game are what truly separates her from the competition.

“This a sport that has given me life lessons, lifelong friendships and just to be able to get all of these opportunities for putting a ball through the hoop is insane,” Tripp said.

And while the spotlight of New York and the pressure of the Big East await, Tripp remains confident in what this team can become.

As she steps into this new era for herself, she hopes to bring her playmaking, energy and defensive tenacity to the big apple.

“Don’t be surprised when we make some noise,” Tripp said of the 2026-27 Red Storm.

For a player who has already overcome adversity, embraced every role and consistently risen to the moment, making noise may just be the beginning.

So to the St. John’s Red Storm faithful, the message is simple: Don’t Tripp, the best is yet to come.