Amani Bartlett isn’t known for record-breaking points or leading playing minutes, but for her quiet dedication to the LSU women’s basketball team. Bartlett joined the Tigers as a 6’3 Forward after high school in Cleveland, Texas, with solid defense and shot-blocking capability.

Her arrival coincided with LSU’s resurgence under head coach Kim Mulkey, and over three seasons, Bartlett has witnessed—and contributed to—the team’s transformation from modest fanfare to packed arenas. And even though Bartlett’s name may not be in the headlines like her high-profile teammates, her journey is just as interesting and worth knowing.

From High School phenom to LSU’s unsung hero

Bartlett was a standout talent in high school. She earned recognition as the Southwest Preparatory Conference MVP and was ranked as the No. 3 player out of Texas. What sets her apart are her defensive abilities. Anyone who’s seen her playing knows that she’s a force on the court with her ability to rack up blocks, once recording an impressive 11 blocks in a single game.

However, once she arrived at LSU, her role shifted from a lead player to a supportive one. Starting with her freshman season in 2021-22, she appeared in nine games and logged a season-high 8 points against Texas Southern, showing flashes of the defensive prowess that would later become her signature.

In her sophomore year, Bartlett was part of LSU’s championship-winning squad, gaining more experience and appearing in 25 games. Her contributions may not have always shown up in points, but she played her role effectively, coming off the bench to provide defensive support. This season, Bartlett has continued to be a critical reserve for LSU, playing in 23 games and averaging 0.8 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. 

The bench is the ultimate teacher

Now, the Defensive Dynamo has limited minutes on the court. But, being on the bench helped her gain a unique perspective. “Sometimes the bench is the biggest teacher,” Bartlett once shared, revealing how she uses her time off-court to study team strategies and her opponents’ moves. 

Watching LSU’s leading stars, No. 2 has learned to see the game through a coach’s eyes. When her teammates check out of the game, Bartlett is there, ready to share her observations and help them refine their performance. After all, she’s seen everything. She’s also witnessed a growing fan base of her team— from sparse crowds to this season’s sold-out arenas and fans following the team members around just to be close to them.

For Bartlett, every little bit of this reflects LSU’s rise—and her growth within the team.

NIL deals with the sideline scholar

As of now, there is not much public information available about Bartlett’s specific Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Though, as per On3, she is reported to have deal partnerships with Gordan McKernan Injury Attorneys and Geaux Enterprises as of 2022. But, given her unique role and strong presence within LSU’s highly publicized women’s basketball program, she’s in a good position to attract NIL partnerships that align with her attributes: resilience, team spirit, and defensive prowess. 

With LSU’s continued championship journey, Bartlett’s contributions remain essential to the team’s chemistry and morale. She reminds us that every player, whether leading on the court or cheering from the bench, shapes the team’s story. She may not grab the headlines, but her commitment, perspective, and defensive skills make her one of LSU’s invaluable players.