For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 14, 2001
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

LADY BRONCS SIGN TWO PLAYERS ON FIRST SIGNING DAY

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American’s women’s basketball team has added its first two recruits for next fall.

Six-one forward Alexis Coleman from Elkins High School and Missouri City, TX and five-nine guard Kristi McGuire from The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas will join the Lady Broncs for the 2002-2003 season. Both will be freshmen with four years of eligibility.

Coleman earned All-District 20-5A honors three times, being named to the first team last year as a junior. She averaged 12.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots per game, and was ranked 30th by Texas Hoops Magazine.

“Alexis’ work ethic has made her the player she is today,” said Coleman’s coach at Elkins, Jill Lindblade. She has raised her game to a higher level every season. She is the epitome of a student-athlete, and will be hard to replace.”

“I really love the coaching staff and players at UTPA,” said Coleman. “They made me feel at home. I am looking forward to a great four years.”

McGuire averaged eight points, four assists and three steals a game for the Lady Highlanders last season. “UT Pan American is a great choice for me because of the immediate chemistry that I felt between the coaches, players, and the community,” said McGuire. “I was looking for a school that met my needs in education, basketball and community, and UTPA more than met my expectations in all categories. Probably the most important factor in my decision came from the feeling that UTPA has a genuine sense of family. I am honored to be given the opportunity to join such a family.”

Lady Broncs Head Coach Karin Nicholls was pleased. “We’re excited about these two young ladies,” said Nicholls. “Alexis is a great rebounder, is very skilled for her age, and has played a lot of AAU ball. She has a great work ethic, and will be a tremendous addition to our team of young players who will be together for several years.She will contribute as a freshman. Kristi is a versatile guard who is a very good shooter. She can shoot the three and can penetrate and hit the open player, which is a tremendous strength. Her competitiveness will help us take our program to the next level.”

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