5/6/08

Caitlyn Conrad to play basketball for the University of Saint Mary in 2008-09

Caitlyn Conrad, a college freshman from Pleasanton, Kan., signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Conrad is a 5' 11'' wing/forward from Ottawa University, transferred to the University of Saint Mary for the spring semester, and will play basketball for the Spires in 2008-09. Conrad was a three sport standout at Pleasanton High School in basketball, volleyball and track. Caitlyn compiled multiple varsity letters and was selected to the Kansas 2A All State Basketball Team three years in a row and was selected to the Three Rivers All League team every year she was in school.

USM Women's Head Basketball Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Caitlyn, "Caitlyn is a great student of the game. As soon as she arrived on campus Caitlyn began traveling with the team. She assisted our coaching staff with scouting reports and right away her eye for the game was far beyond her age. She was picking up on tendencies and things that our opponents were doing that most players don’t see until later in their careers. Caitlyn has already demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and drive to improve her abilities.  We are looking forward to working with Caitlyn and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Conrad's honors and awards at Pleasanton High School include:

• High School Honor Roll all four years
• Scholastic Achievement Award
• National Honors Society (2 years)
• Student Council Member
• FCCLA member
• Selected to the Three Rivers All League, 4 years in a row
• Selected to the Kansas 2A All State Team-Topeka Capitol Journal (2004-05, 2005-06 & 2006-07)
• Selected as the Player of the Year-Linn County News (2005-06 & 2006-07)
• Selected to the SEK All-Star Basketball Team 2006-07
• Finished her career with 26 double-doubles
• Finished her career with 1,139 points
• 12 Varsity letters: 4 in basketball, 4 in volleyball & 2 track
• Caitlyn is the daughter of Tim & Robin Conrad of Pleasanton, Kansas.

4/19/08

Samantha Ciani Signs Basketball Letter of Intent with the University of Saint Mary

Samantha Ciani, a freshman from Colby Community College, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Ciani is a 6' 0'' post from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, spent the last year attending Colby Community College on a basketball scholarship.  In her career at Glenwood Springs High school, Ciani was a Two Time First Team selection to the Western Slope All League Team and selected to the Colorado 4A 1st Team All State at the conclusion of her senior season in 2007. Ciani also finished her senior season with Top 10 rankings in class 4A in scoring and rebounding.

USM Women's Head Basketball Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Samantha, “Samantha is going to be a great addition to our team. We saw her early in the year at a JUCO Jamboree in October and loved the way she played. She is really strong inside player that finished really well with her back to the basket this season. I think she still has a lot potential and upside that we can develop in the next few years. We are looking forward to working with Samantha and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Ciani's honors and awards at Glenwood Springs High School & Colby Community College include:

• High School Honor Roll all four years
• Academic All Conference 2005-06 & 2006-07
• STUCO  all 4 years
• National Honors Society (2 years)
• Peer Council (2 years)
• Team Captain 2006-07
• 2007 Final Four Class 4A
• All tournament Team Montrose Black Canyon Classic 2006-07
• Montrose Black Canyon Classic MVP 2006-07
• Western Slope 1st Team All League: Basketball  2005-06 & 2006-07
• Colorado 1st Team All State Class 4A 2007
• Ranked in Top 10 in Colorado class 4A in scoring & rebounding in 2007
• 4 varsity letters: 4 basketball
• Samantha is the daughter of Carl, Becky & Laurie Ciani of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

3/28/08

Erin Goodhue Signs Basketball Letter of Intent with the University of Saint Mary

Erin Goodhue, a sophomore from Colby Community College, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Goodhue is a 6' 0'' guard from Calhan, Colorado, and has spent the last two years attending Colby Community College on a basketball scholarship.  In her career at Calhan High school, Goodhue was a Three Time First Team selection to the Black Forest All League Team and selected to the Colorado Springs Trail Gazette All Area 1st Team at the conclusion of her senior season.

USM Women's Head Basketball Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Erin, “Erin is a great student and has great length and athleticism in her game. She possesses great speed and quickness which will give us the ability to get the tempo and style of play at both ends of the floor up from a more from a year ago. Erin has had experience playing a number of different positions in her career which will make her a very versatile asset to our program. She has a great shooting stroke from beyond the three point line and set a school record at Colby Community College by making 7 three point baskets in a game during her freshman season. She will give us a tall athletic guard that could play all three guard positions. We are looking forward to working with Erin and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Goodhue's honors and awards at Calhan High School & Colby Community College include:

• High School Honor Roll all four years
• Gold Member Honor Roll (3.8-4.0 GPA)
• 8 year member of the 4H Club
• Member of the Jr. Nationals Basketball Team in Colorado- 2005
• National Honors Society (2 years)
• BFL 1st Team All League: Volleyball 2005, 2006; Basketball 2004, 2005, 2006
• Colorado Springs Telegraph Gazette, 1st All Area Basketball 2006
• Colorado 2A State Qualifier in Track 3200 Relay in 2003
• Newcomer of the Year in Track during her freshman year
• Ranked as the #1Middle Blocker in volleyball- 2A Colorado in 2005
• 7 varsity letters: 3 basketball, 3 volleyball and 1 track.
• Erin is the daughter of Scott & Kim Goodhue of Calhan, Colorado

3/31/08

Michelle Chrisman Signs Basketball Letter of Intent with the University of Saint Mary

Michelle Chrisman, a high school senior from Linwood, Kan., signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Chrisman is a 5' 7'' guard from Basehor-Linwood High School, where she excelled in the classroom and in athletics as a two sport letter award winner. Michelle, a four year starter finished her senior season averaging 7.3 points, 3 rebounds, 2.8 assist and 1.5 steals. In all, Chrisman has compiled 7 varsity letters in basketball and volleyball. She helped her 07-08 basketball team to a 22-2 record and a Kansas 4A State appearance in Salina, Kansas. Her team won the Central Heights Tournament in December of 2007, the Basehor-Linwood Invitational Tournament in January of 2008, and also won the Kaw Valley League title in 2007-08, losing only one game in conference play.

USM Women's Head Basketball Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Michelle, "Michelle is coming off a great high school season. She is a good defender that guarded the other teams best guard most of the time. She reminds me a lot of Liz Gillespie (graduating senior-guard), only Michelle has the potential to have a better freshman season and start to her college career than Liz did four years ago.We are looking forward to working with Michelle and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Chrisman's honors and awards at Basehor-Linwood High School include:

• High School Honor Roll all four years
• Academic Achievement Team- 2 years
• President of SAAD, 2007-08
• National Honors Society (2 years)
• Court Warming Candidate 2008
• Choir—Lettered 2 years Member of Women’s Honor Choir
• Selected to the 2006 Bobcat Invitational All Tournament Team
• Basketball Team Captain- 2007-08
• Set a single game record for 3-pt makes with (5)
• Finished third in three point field goal makes for a career (85)
• Finished eighth in assists for a career (159)
• 7 Varsity letters: 4 in basketball and 3 in volleyball
• Michelle is the daughter of Randy & Lea of Linwood, Kansas

7/16/2007

Jessica Todd Signs Letter of Intent to play Basketball at the University of Saint Mary

Jessica Todd , a high school senior at Imaculatta High School in Leavenworth, KS, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Todd a 5' 7'' guard from Imaculata High School in Leavenworth, KS., where she excelled on the basketball court all four years of her high school career as a four year starter. Todd was twice selected to the All Kaw Valley League team and was selected to the Kansas 3A All State Honorable Mention team upon the completion of her junior season at Imaculata. Jessica also played 4 years of soccer in her high school career.

Head Coach Basler had this to say; "Jessica has been up in the gym with our team the past two season and has improved her game each and every year of her high school career. We are really excited and pleased that she has chosen to continue her education and basketball career at the University of Saint Mary."

• Most Inspirational Player in 2006 & 2007 selected by her teammates and Coaches

• All Kaw Valley League selection 2006 (First Team) & 2007 (Honorable Mention)

• 2006 Honorable Mention All State in Kansas 3A High School

• 8 varsity letters: 4 basketball, 4 soccer

• Jessica is the daughter of Linda & Tony Todd of Leavenworth, Kansas

6/12/2007

Katie Joens Signs Letter of Intent to play Basketball at the University of Saint Mary

Katie Joens , a college sophomore at Colby Community College in Colby, KS., signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Joens is a 5' 8'' guard from Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, KS., excelled on the basketball court all four years of her high school career. After the completion of her high school career Joens accepted a basketball scholarship at Colby Community College. Joens will join fellow juco transfers Lacy Leonard and Leslie Teal in this year's recruiting class.

Coach Basler had this to say about Katie; "I remember Katie her senior year a little bit, it was my first year at Saint Mary and we saw her play early in the year as we began recruiting for our first class. She was really hard nosed and competitive on the floor and did allot of things for her team. She sat out a year before accepting a scholarship at Colby and has worked hard year around at improving her game. She brings a great passion and energy to the floor and when she was up on her visit she really impressed our staff with the things she could bring to our program. I'm looking forward to working with Katie over the next three years as she continues her basketball career and pursues her degree."

3/26/2007

Kansas City Kansas Community College Standout Signs To Play at USM

Leslie Teal, a college sophomore at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Teal is a 5' 6'' shooting guard who excelled at KCKCC, where she has played the last two college seasons.  Teal will transfer to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary next year. Leslie started 58 of 61 career games for the Blue Devils, averaging 7.6 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game this past season. Leslie finished her freshman season second on the team in rebounding to Ashley Sanders (Teal's teammate at KCKCC in 2005-06, whom she will reunite with again next season at Saint Mary).   She also finished this season second on the team in rebounding and second in steals for the 2006-07 campaign. Leslie has been a team captain the past two years at KCKCC.

University of Saint Mary Lady Spires Head Coach Michael Basler believes Teal's work ethic can help USM reach the next level. "Leslie is a wonderful person with a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game of basketball. She always plays with such positive energy and emotion, and she is a great communicator on the floor. One of the things that I noticed very early in her freshman year at KCKCC, when we identified her as a prospect, was that she never took any plays off. That is very rare in today's game. We look forward to working with Leslie and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary. "

Teal’s honors and awards at Kansas City Kansas Community College & Harrisonville High School include:

• Phi Theta Kappa member (3.5 GPA) 2006-07

• National Deans List 2006-07

• 2006-07 Junior College Academic All-American Nominee

• Who's Who High School Athletes in 2004 & 2005

• Student of the Month in high school Feb. 2005

• Principal’s Honor Roll (3.5 GPA) 2005

• Defensive Player of the Year 2004 & 2005

• Hustle Award Winner 2005

• Track Newcomer of the Year 2004 & a member of the 400 team relay high school record set with a time of 4:00.01 in 2005

• Team Captain High school 3 years (so.-jr.-sr.) & Junior College 2 years (fr.-so.)

• 8 varsity letters; 4 basketball, 2 volleyball and 2 track.

• Leslie is the daughter of Jeff & Connie Teal of Harrisonville, Missouri.

3/14/07

Allison Berger Signs Basketball Letter of Intent with the University of Saint Mary

Alison Berger, a high school senior from Everest, Kan., signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Berger is a 5' 8'' wing from Horton High School, where she excelled in the classroom and in athletics as a three sport letter award winner. In all, Allison has compiled 10 varsity letters in basketball, cross country and track. She helped her cross country team to a Kansas 3A State appearance this season and was also a member of the 400 meter relay team that qualified for the Kansas 3A State track meet in 2005-06. This past season, Allison was selected to the Hiawatha High School All-Tournament Team.

USM Women's Head Basketball Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Allison, "Allison is a great student and has great athleticism in her basketball game. She will give us the ability to play taller and more athletic at the wing position next season. We are look forward to working with Allison and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Berger's honors and awards at Horton High School include:

• Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0 GPA Qualification) four years

• KU Honors Scholar Student 2006-07

• Governors Scholar Student 2006-07

• National Honors Society (President) 3 years

• FFA and State qualifier in Dairy- 03-04, 04-05, 05-06

• Homecoming Queen 2006

• FCA member and current President

• Eucharistic Minister and Youth Pastor at church

• 10 varsity letters: 3 basketball, 4 cross country and 3 track.

• Allison is the daughter of Laurence & Julie Berger of Everest, Kansas.

3/8/07

Two Time NJCAA First Team All American headed to the University of Saint Mary to play Basketball

Read about Lacy Leonard's Decision to Sign with USM in the Nevada Herald-Tribune

Lacy Leonard, a college sophomore at Cottey College, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Leonard a 5' 11'' forward, Leonard stared on the court at Cottey College, for the past two seasons.  She joins a very strong USM recruiting class.

Lacy started every game (45) in her career at Cottey College and played the most minutes of any Lady Comet the past two seasons. She is a two time First Team NJCAA All-American selection in 2005-06 & 2006-07. Lacy was also selected twice to the All-Region XVI First Team and was also selected the NJCAA Division II Player of the Week for Feb. 11, 2006. She was the first ever Lady Comet to receive these honors. She will leave Cottey College with career averages in scoring with 20.11 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game and collected 19 career double-doubles. Lacy finished the 2005-06 season as the 5th leading scorer in the NJCAA Division II and 19th leading scorer in the NJCAA Division II in 2006-07.

Spires Head Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Lacy: "Lacy has finished her junior college career as the schools leading scorer and rebounder; Two First Team All American Selections; Two First Team All Region XVI selections and holds about every school statistical record in the programs history. Without question she is the most decorated player to ever sign with the University of Saint Mary. With all the things she has accomplished on the court in her career she is an even greater person than she is basketball player and that is saying a lot. One of the things I learned early as I recruited her is that she is very dedicated to making herself the very best as a person-student-daughter-friend-mentor and basketball player. She desires to work as an educator and coach someday and I have no doubt that she will excel in those areas as she has on the court. We are look forward to working with Lacy and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary."

Leonard’s honors and awards at Cottey College include:

• NJCAA First Team All-American Division II 2005-06

• NJCAA First Team All-American Division II 2006-07

• All Region XVI First Team 2005-06

• All Region XVI First Team 2006-07

• NJCAA Division II Player of the Week for 2/11/06

• Fifth in Scoring & twenty-sixth in the NJCAA 2005-06

• 19 Career Double-Doubles (Points & Rebounds)

• Member of the NJCAA/WBCA All Star Game in Lubbock, Texas July of 2006. Led her team in scoring with 16 pts.

• All Time Leading Scorer at Cottey College 905 career points and has a career average of 20.11.

• All Time leading Rebounder at Cottey College with 392 and a career average of 8.7.

• All Time leader in: Free Throw percentage 75.3%, Field Goal percentage 51% for a career.

Lauren Ceccucci Signs Basketball Letter of Intent with the University of Saint Mary

Lauren Ceccucci, a high school senior, from Flower Mound, Texas, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Saint Mary.

Ceccucci is a 5' 7'' guard from Higlands High School where she excelled in the classroom and in athletics as a five sport letter award winner. In all, Lauren compiled 11 varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, softball, track, and golf. Lauren was a two time varsity basketball team captain, she led the TAPPS District 3A in assists and steals in 2005-06, she is also the career leader in Assists, 2nd in rebounds and 5th in career scoring. Lauren has helped lead her team to post season appearances each of the last three seasons and a state playoff birth this season for the first time in school history.

Spires Head Coach Michael Basler had this to say about Lauren: "Lauren is a great kid with a tremendous work ethic and love for the game. One of the things that really has me excited about her is her desire to improve herself each and everyday. She has the drive and desire to work to fulfill her maximum potential as a basketball player and that is very special. We are look forward to working with Lauren and are excited to add her to our basketball family at the University of Saint Mary. "

Ceccucci's honors and awards at The Highlands High School include:

• Career leader in Assists, 2nd in rebounds, 5th in scoring at The Highlands.

• Led her basketball team to the first ever State Playoff Birth in 2006-07.

• Led her team to a District 3A Runner-Up Finish in 2005-06.

• Led her team to the schools first ever post season playoff birth in 2003-04.

• Certified volleyball official.

• 11 varsity letters; 4 basketball, 3 softball, 2 volleyball, 1 track, and 1 golf .

• Lauren is the daughter of Paul & Diana Ceccucci of Flower Mound, Texas.