GAFFNEY, S.C.— Limestone College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Corey Fox has announced that seven players will join the Lady Saints for the upcoming 2009-10 season. Tia Williams (Dacula, Ga.), Stephanie Hayes (Hopkins, S.C.), Jonelle Hamrick (Summerville, S.C.), Maria Young (Asheville, N.C.), Bridget Ansbro (Huntersville, N.C.), Ashley Robinson (Whittier, N.C.), and Erin Grant (Gainesville, Fla.) will play for Limestone next year.
“I am very excited about our recruiting class,” commented Fox. “As a group, they are the best class that we have brought in since I’ve been the head coach at Limestone. We have helped ourselves by signing winners since all of our recruits come from successful high school and AAU programs. Our recruits are not only excellent athletes but they also excel in the classroom. We are already looking forward to next season.”
“I also want to commend my coaching staff on this year’s incoming class,” Fox continued. “Our assistant coaches Shawn Poppie, Melissa DeVore, and Lindsay Kyle did a really great job.”
Hayes was a four-year varsity player and three-year starter for Lower Richland High School. She was a team captain her senior year and was second on her team in scoring. She also led her team in three-pointers as a senior. She helped her team to four consecutive state championships, and was named MVP of the 2009 championship game. She also served as her school’s student class president her senior year. Hayes plans to study business management at Limestone. She is the daughter of Steven and Grace Hayes.
“Stephanie comes to us from the most successful high school program in the state,” Fox pointed out. “In her four years on Lower Richland’s varsity team she won four state championships. Stephanie is an aggressive player who is very quick. She can shoot the 3 and get by people off the dribble and get to the hoop. She will be a great defender on and off the ball. Stephanie is a great fit for Limestone.”
Hamrick was a two-year Region 8 AAAA player for Summerville High School. She was a team captain for the squad during the 2008-09 season. She earned four letters in basketball and one in track. She is the daughter of Rose Hamrick and plans to major in business administration.
“Jonelle is an outstanding sign for us,” pointed out Fox. “She is an in-state player who comes from a good program. At 6-feet tall she can run the floor and make plays on the block. Jonelle is an excellent rebounder who can create opportunities for the team. We are excited to have her as part of our program for the next four years.”
Young was the starting point guard for four years at T.C. Roberson High School. She was a three-time All-Conference and All-District honoree. As a junior, she led her team in assists and blocks. She was named team MVP and captain her senior year. During her four years at T.C. Roberson, the team posted a 101-18 record and won four conference championships. Young is undecided about her major. She is the daughter of Annamaria Jackson.
“Maria had an outstanding prep career with a very successful high school program,” commented Fox. “She is an athletic guard who can score in many ways: getting to the rim, getting to the foul line, and shooting the three. But, her main contribution may be on the defensive side of the ball. She is an excellent defensive player who can play and guard at many positions. Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with Maria for the next four years.”
Ansbro was a three-year starter and four-year varsity team member for Hopewell Nigh School. She was named the team’s Most Improved player in 2006 and was team MVP in 2008. She earned All-Conference honors in 2008 and was named to the 2006 First Charter Holiday Classic All-Tournament team. Ansbro, who is an honor roll student and a member of the National Technical Honor Society, is undecided about her major. Her parents are Cathy and Jim Ansbro.
“We are very excited to sign Bridget,” stated Fox. “She is athletic 6-feett tall post who can run the floor and finish around the basket. She will also be an excellent defender for us. We expect her to come in and immediately compete for playing time.”
Robinson was a four-year starter for Smokey Mountain High School’s varsity team. She was a four-time All-Conference honoree and served as a team captain her junior and senior seasons. During her prep career, Smokey Mountain experienced much success as the squad posted a record of 102-12 and won conference, regional, and state championships. Robinson earned All-Tournament team honors on several occasions, and was named the conference Player of the Year, and the conference tournament MVP. She was also named to the All-Western North Carolina team. She is an honor roll student and a recipient of the Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship. Robinson plans to major in athletic training at Limestone. Her parents are Derek and Dora Robinson.
“Ashley also had a great high school career, including winning the state championship as a sophomore,” Fox stated. “She gives us the versatility that we haven’t had in past seasons. She can play the 4 or 5 for us. She is an excellent rebounder and also has a passion for basketball. She can score with her back to the basket or facing up and driving the ball to the rim or hitting a jumper. Ashley will make an immediate impact on the Saints next season.”
Grant played high school ball for Buchholz High School, and spent two seasons at Sante Fe Community College. She earned the Coach’s Award during her prep career. As a freshman at Sante Fe, she played in 12 games and averaged 3.9 points per game. She helped the squad to the 2008-09 Mid-Florida Conference Championship and was the recipient of the Character Counts award.
“Erin is a transfer from Santa Fe’s successful program,” Fox said. “She is an excellent all-around player. But, the best thing she does is shoot the ball, and she is an excellent 3-point shooter. Losing most of the 3-point shooters to graduation, we needed someone we could count on to put the ball in the basket, and we think that Erin is that person.”
Williams graduated from Mill Creek High School where she was a four-year varsity starter. She was named to the Team of the Month on three occasions. She was also named to the Gwinnett County Senior All-State game, and was selected as a First-Team member of the 2008-09 Girl’s Team of the Year. She also earned Second-Team All-County honors. Williams helped her team to the 2006 Elite Eight and a runner-up finish in the regional tournament and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the state tournament. In 2008 the squad won the region and state championships. Last season, Mills Creek won the regional championship and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen again. She was awarded her high school’s Principal’s Leadership Award and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Government. Williams is undecided about her major. Her parents are Eric and Yolanda Williams.
“Tia is another player who comes from an excellent high school program,” Fox pointed out. “Mill Creek won 22 games this year. Tia is a long, athletic guard who can play and guard in multiple positions. She is also an excellent 3-point shooter. Tia is a good rebounder for her size and position. We are excited about coaching her during her college career.”