SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women’s basketball program and head coach Ryan Frost are excited to announce the signing of six high school seniors that will join the Cougars for the 2015-16 season.
“We are excited about our incoming freshman class,” said Frost. “Overall, I think they complement our returners well and address some of our needs. More than that, they are outstanding young ladies that will represent our program well.”
Morgan Carter | G | 5-6 | Grandville, Mich. | Grandville High School
Morgan Carter averaged 9.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 5.0 steals per game for Grandville High School. She received First Team All-Conference honors and was named the Team MVP.
Away from the court, Carter volunteers at a downtown gym in Grand Rapids and coaches community education basketball camps. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the School Leadership Team.
While attending SAU, Carter intends on majoring in special education.
Coach Frost on Morgan: “Morgan is a great overall fit. Her versatility on both ends of the floor and work ethic will add a great deal to our team.”
Alex Forster | Pos. | 5-7 | Brighton, Mich. | Brighton High School
Alex Forster, from Brighton, Michigan, was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection at Brighton High School. In four years as a member of the Bulldogs, she helped lead the team to a 63-21 record, three KLAA West Division championships and two conference titles.
Coach Frost on Alex: “The biggest thing Alex brings to the table is how hard she plays. She has a true passion for the game and is as competitive as they come.”
Kristina Grace | F | 5-10 | Redford, Mich. | Detroit Country Day High School
Kristina Grace was a member of the 2015 MHSAA Class B state champion Detroit Country Day High School team. She averaged 6.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game for the Yellowjackets.
While attending SAU, Grace intends on majoring in engineering.
Coach Frost on Kristina: “Kristina is able to play a few different positions, rebounds the ball well and has a nice shooting touch from 17-feet and in.”
Ryann Laier | F | 5-8 | Howell, Mich. | Hartland High School
Ryan Laier helped lead Hartland High School to a pair of district championships, as well as the program’s first regional title in 2015.
In addition to playing basketball for the Eagles, Laier was a standout on the track and field team. She owns the school record in the discus throw (124-7.00) and was a three-time All-Conference and All-Region performer.
Off the court, Laier excelled in the classroom earning Scholar-Athlete status all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society.
While attending SAU, Laier plans on majoring in health and exercise science.
Coach Frost on Ryann: “Ryann is a hard worker that can play underneath despite being outsized much of the time. Her strength and versatility will be big attributes for us in the future.”
Rachel Nelson | G/F | 5-10 | Howell, Mich. | Howell High School
During her junior year at Howell High School, Rachel Nelson was named Second Team All-County while earning Best Defensive Player honors for the district champion Highlanders. She capped off her career by receiving an All-Conference nod, as well as a Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Honorable Mention selection.
Nelson was a High Honors student all four years at Howell and garnered BCAM Academic All-State honors.
Coach Frost on Rachel: “Rachel gives us needed length on the perimeter. She has an excellent shootout touch and runs the floor well.”
Ashley Parker | F | 5-11 | Rochester Hills, Mich. | Rochester Hills Christian School
Ashley Parker is coming off a tremendous career at Rochester Hills Christian School where she surpassed 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She became the only player in school history to record a quadruple double and holds the school record for the most rebounds in a single game with 30.
Parker was a First Team All-Conference selection as a sophomore and junior. During her junior season, she led the Eagles to an 18-1 record before falling in double overtime in the Michigan Association of Christian Schools (MACS) State Tournament. Parker helped guide the squad back to the MACS championship as a senior where Rochester Hills Christian took second place.
Parker not only excelled on the hardwood, but was a standout volleyball player earning conference MVP honors as a junior. She was also her class valedictorian and has participated in summer mission trips to inner-city Detroit working with underprivileged children.
While attending SAU, Parker plans on majoring in business.
Coach Frost on Ashley: “Ashley has a high ceiling in the post. She has great hands and a nice shooting touch inside. She’ll need to get use to the speed and strength of the college game.”