Ladyjacks Ink Five
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 9, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team signed Whitney Cormier (Fort Worth, Texas), Jackie Domino (Mansfield, Texas), Martina Holloway (Albuquerque, N.M.), Lindsey Martin (Simpson, La.) and Karlee Wilson (Hallsville, Texas) to National Letters of Intent Ladyjack head coach Lee Ann Riley announced Wednesday afternoon.
"We are very pleased with the addition of these five student-athletes to our program," said Riley. "This class is a direct reflection of the hard work our entire staff put in to bring these talented young ladies to SFA. These five young ladies are leaders in the classroom and on the court and we are so excited that they chose to come to SFA."
The 2005 signing class brings added height to the Ladyjacks roster, as three of the signees are 5-10 or taller, and two are taller than 6-0. The current class is also stockpiled with talent in different areas whether it be scoring, rebounding or the ability to pass the ball. The recruiting class fulfilled a need at every position for the Ladyjacks, who will be losing two guards, a forward and a post player at the end of the season.
Cormier is a 5-11 guard from Fossil Ridge High School who averaged 17.5 points and 5.9 rebounds during her junior season. Cormier was a 2005 TABC Al l-Region selection and all-area recognition by the Dallas Morning News. She earned district newcomer of the year honors as a sophomore and was named District 5-5A Offensive Player of the Year this past season.
"Whitney is a slashing, athletic guard that runs the floor extremely well," said Riley. "She is a great leaper which allows her to be a very good rebounder from the guard position."
"Whitney is the most dedicated young athlete I have ever coached," said Fossil Ridge head coach Stacy Henson. "She works on every facet of her game each day. I am very excited that she chose to play at SFA. However she will be sorely missed next year. She is a phenomenal kid who has provided FRHS with leadership and commitment throughout her career."
After going through the recruiting process, the 5-10 Cormier felt the most comfortable with the Ladyjack coaching staff and program.
"Overall, I feel that SFA is the perfect fit for me," said Cormier. "I really like the size and location of the school. It's not too far from home. I feel like I will receive an excellent education. There is a great group of girls that I will be able to play with. The coaching staff is awesome and I'm very excited about going there next year."
Domino is a team captain who led her team in rebounding this past season. As a junior, Domino was a first-team all-district selection and named team co-MVP.
"Jackie is a strong post with great hands and good footwork," said Riley. "Her inside presence and knack for the basket will allow her to be a force inside."
"Jackie is a great role model for other kids," said Mansfield High School head coach Laura Meinzer. "She has a great work ethic that has taken her to the next level. Jackie has improved so much in the last four years, it will be exciting to see that progress continue at SFA."
Domino will be the tallest player on the squad when she arrives on campus at 6-3. Her skills in the low post will give the Ladyjacks an added presence in the paint.
"I've never been so excited about anything," said Domino. "I can't wait to become a Ladyjack. My decision was made easy by the quality of the coaches and the program at SFA."
Holloway is a talented guard with a `pass first shoot second mentality.' A three-year starter, Holloway led the state of New Mexico with 8.1 assists per game as a junior. She earned all-metro, all-district and all-state honors last season, while averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game.
"Martina is one of the best passing guards I've seen in the last 10 years," said Riley. "She has an unbelievable knack for seeing the game, and knowing when and where her teammates are going to be open."
"Martina is one of the top passers in the nation," said Sandia High School head coach Susan Kubala. "She has great court vision. (Martina) is a tremendous competitor and will be a great addition to the Ladyjacks program. Coach Riley will have a terrific floor leader for the next four years."
"I really enjoyed my visit to SFA," said Holloway. "I feel like I fit in very well with all the coaches and players. I am excited to get the opportunity to play basketball on the collegiate level."
Martin is a versatile athlete that succeeded on the court and on the diamond in high school. She earned first-team all-district honors all four seasons and has been an all-state selection the past three seasons. Martin's signing will help ease the loss of seniors Britany Vinson and Kirby Killingsworth who run out of eligibility at the end of the 2005-06 season. Martin is a accurate shooter from beyond the three-point arc winning the regional three-point shoot out the past two season and finish second in state.
"Lindsey is a scrappy, tough guard who is a great shooter," said Riley. "A very sound fundamental player with a shooters mentality of always thinking her next shot is going in."
"Lindsey is a very accomplished student-athlete, who will compliment the SFA program with a deadly shooters touch," said Simpson High School coach Michael Charrier. "I feel Lindsey has made a good decision with SFA. The coaching staff has really welcomed her with open arms."
The true definition of a student-athlete, Martin has been just as successful in the classroom has she has been on the court. She has recorded a 4.0 grade point average all three years in high school.
"I really like SFA program," said Martin. "The coaching staff really made me feel at home. It has always been my dream to play college basketball and SFA has provided me the opportunity to make my dream come true. SFA is the right choice for me."
Wilson is a three-time all-district selection, who earned first-team all-east Texas honors the past two years for Hallsville High School. Wilson's exploits on the floor have earned her McDonald's All-America consideration.
"Karlee is a tough, physical post with the ability to score inside and out," said Riley. "She loves contact, is a strong rebounder, and runs the floor very well."
"Karlee is the type of athlete every coach in any sport would love to have on their team," said Hallsville High School head coach John Thompson. "In a day when gifted athletes are consumed with selfishness and greed, Karlee has remained humble and willing to work even harder to better herself. Her hard work, commitment and leadership are incredible assets to our team."
Wilson is another member of the Ladyjacks signing class that has achieved success both on the court and in the classroom. It was the strong SFA tradition, along with its academics that helped attract Wilson to Nacogdoches.
"I chose SFA because it is close to home," said Wilson. "I like the coaching staff, and it has great academics. I really felt comfortable when I came on my visit to SFA. SFA has a great women's basketball tradition and I'm glad to be a part of it."
