WATCH: LSU’s Last-Tear Poa debuts new red hairstyle ahead of season opener vs. Eastern Kentucky 

LSU guard Last-Tear Poa is making headlines both for her basketball skills and for navigating the complex landscape of NIL opportunities as an international student-athlete. As the LSU Lady Tigers prepare for their season opener against Eastern Kentucky, Poa has drawn attention for her striking new look.

She recently showcased a red hairstyle on her Instagram story right before her upcoming season. In the post, she credited the salon with the caption:

“Ate me down.”

This eye-catching change was also shared by the NCAA Noobita account, which highlights college athletes and their journeys.

Now entering her third season at LSU after transferring from junior college, Poa was part of the Tigers team that won the NCAA national championship in 2023. They also made a run to the Elite Eight last year. Originally hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Poa has earned her accolades from head coach Kim Mulkey.

Last-Tear Poa's lawsuit against USCIS

However, beyond her stylish appearance, Poa is facing significant challenges due to her status as an international athlete in the NCAA. Recently, she filed a lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Middle District of Louisiana after her application for a P-1A athlete visa was denied.

The sealed court documents indicate that Poa is specifically challenging the denial of her visa application, which she filed to facilitate her participation in NIL activities. The lawsuit names Ur Mendoza Jaddou, the director of USCIS, as a defendant.

The denial of Poa’s P-1A Athlete application cited that her athletic events, including NCAA games, are not recognized internationally. It happened despite significant viewer engagement, such as the 12.3 million viewers who tuned in for the Elite Eight matchup between LSU and Iowa last spring.

As a result of this ruling, Last-Tear Poa has been forced to forgo various NIL opportunities, which would typically allow athletes to monetize their personal brands and social media presence. With over 200,000 followers on social media, she has significantly engaged in lucrative NIL deals, but current regulations have prevented her from doing so.

The complexities surrounding F-1 student visas further complicate the situation. These visas impose strict limitations on employment, allowing only limited authorization types that are typically tied to the athlete’s academic program.

Because NIL agreements often require athletes to perform services for compensation, they conflict with the regulations governing F-1 visa holders. This reality poses a significant barrier for international athletes, who make up about 12% of Division I student-athletes.

Despite these hurdles, Last-Tear Poa remains focused on her role with the Lady Tigers. Coach Kim Mulkey confirmed that Poa would not participate in the upcoming season opener against Eastern Kentucky. However, her contributions helped the team secure victories over Xavier and LSU-Alexandria.

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