Boston, MA- Head Coach Jesse Ford and the Women's Basketball staff have announced the incoming recruiting class for the 2019-20 season. The four newcomers are a combination of true freshmen and of Junior College transfers, and look to help fill the roster holes left after last year's graduation of Jocelyn Mendoza and Daniela Villegas.
The incoming class of team members are making their way to Boston, MA from two states including California and Connecticut. "The playing experience and passion for the game combined with the high quality of character in each of these student-athletes is going to have an immediate positive impact on this program," Ford said. "Combined with the talent and expectations of the returning players, I expect the 2019-20 season to be filled with competitive, high-energy practices and games." The Women's Basketball team had a record breaking season in the 2018-19 season, having won 19 games while making a second straight appearance at the Association of Independent Institutions (AII) playoff tournament. "We will look to build on the success of last year's team with the addition of our new players," said Coach Ford.
Lauren Allen
Lauren, a native of Long Beach, CA, transferred to Fisher from Scottsdale Community College last season. Lauren spent her freshman season at Scottsdale CC as the starting point guard and came to Fisher for the entirety of her sophomore academic year. Now, with three years of athletic eligibility left, Coach Ford is excited about her potential impact. "Lauren practiced with us every day of last season, and she's huge reason why we were so successfully prepared for our game schedule." Added Ford, "I've seen how hard she's worked to develop her skills and to challenge her teammates this past year, and I'm excited that she'll now have the opportunity for those efforts to be more publicly recognized as she's on the floor playing in games this season." Lauren spent her high school years at Long Beach Polytech HS, a school nationally recognized as producing elite-level athletes, and capped off her high school career with a state championship her senior year.
Angel Bernardi
Angel transferred to Fisher directly from Simpson University (CA), an NAIA D1 program, mid-season last year. To preserve a year of eligibility, Angel did not play in any games last season, but has been a part of the roster and practicing with the team since January 2019. Angel spent her freshman and sophomore years at Santa Rosa Junior College where she averaged 9 pts, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and shot over 40% from 3 point range. Competing in the Big 8 Conference, Angel finished in the conference's top 10 in Offensive Rebounding. She also finished her sophomore year as team captain and MVP of her team. Coach Jesse Ford watched Angel compete at the CCCAA Junior College showcase in Thousand Oaks, California the spring of 2018. "Angel has the unique combination of strength and agility that allows her to play anywhere on the floor both offensively and defensively," says Ford. And, according to Coach Ford, Angel already has the trust and respect of her teammates, so she'll immediately help to build on last year's success.
Jennifer Rosales
Jennifer transfers to Fisher after completing her associate degree at Gavilan College (CA). While at Gavilan, Jennifer was named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention team her freshman season. After her sophomore year, Jennifer was named Defensive MVP. She averaged 7 points/game, 6 rebounds/game and finished the season with 56 total steals. "Jennifer will be an incredible addition to the roster," says Ford. Coached by Ford last season, the Falcons finished the year ranked #1 in the country in both Defensive Field Goal Percentage and Defensive 3 pt Percentage. "The attitude, energy, and work ethic that Jennifer will bring every day further opens options for our defensive game plans," predicts Ford, "and her academic achievements will really make her a stand-out NAIA student-athlete." Jennifer graduated from Gavilan with a 3.6 GPA, was a recipient of the President Scholar award, and was named Academic All-State by the CCCWBCA.
Madison Kelley
Madison comes to Fisher as a true freshman from Plainfield High School, CT. She has been a three-sport varsity athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. Athletically throughout her high school career, Madison has been recognized as All-Star 1st Team, All-Star 2nd Team, Honorable Mention, and All-State 2nd Team. She was additionally placed on Norwich Bulletin's All-Star Team. Madison completed her high school season with 875 points, 750 rebounds, and 250 blocks. She helped her team to back-to-back Division Titles, and helped her team receive the district Sportsmanship Award. "We're excited to have a relatively local addition to our roster. Madison is a well-rounded, extremely accomplished student-athlete, and I have high hopes for her immediate contributions to our program," says Coach Ford. Academically, Madison has been on the Honor Roll for each of her four high school years. "We have a roster that's heavy with upperclassmen, and Madison will have a great opportunity to further improve her skills alongside her experienced teammates."