Nov. 22, 2010
Bronx, N.Y. -
Fordham women's basketball coach Cathy Andruzzi announced the signing of six student-athletes today to national letters of intent to play at Fordham University, beginning in the 2011-12 season. Joining the Rams will be forwards Cody Sims, Taylor Reif, Liz Milner, Olivia Suhr, Emily Tapio and point guard Kelly McGovern.
"This is the biggest and best recruiting class we have ever had! I am extremely pleased with the quality, versatility and depth of this class. Our forwards average over six-foot tall and they are complimented by a true point guard. With the graduation of six players we needed to have a strong recruiting class and we did," said Andruzzi.
Sims, a 6-1 forward from Oakland, California, plays for Saint Mary's College High School in Berkeley, California. She was an All-State Honorable Mention selection as a junior, averaging 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. She helped Saint Mary's to a 31-4 overall record last season, as well as to a perfect 13-0 mark in league play. Sims also plays AAU for the East Bay Xplosion.
"I have been watching Cody play since she was a freshman in high school. She has a long athletic frame and runs the floor very well. Her experience playing for Mark Anger on one the country's premier AAU teams will be an asset. Cody will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the post with the graduation of three post players," said Andruzzi.
Reif, a 6-1 small forward from Copley, Ohio, attends Copley Senior High School, where she was a dynamic scorer as a junior, averaging 20.2 points per game. She earned Division I All-Ohio Honorable Mention and Second Team All-Northeast Inland District honors last season, as she contributed to a 13-9 team record. Reif also plays AAU for SMAC Lady Ballers.
"Taylor can flat out score. She can knock down the long ball, run the floor and her 6-1 frame on the perimeter gives us length. She will add a new dimension to our perimeter," said Andruzzi.
McGovern, a 5-7 point guard from Mokena, Illinois, plays for Lincoln Way East High School in Frankfurt, Illinois. An All-State Honorable Mention pick, she helped Lincoln Way East to a 24-8 mark last season, as McGovern averaged 10.3 points and 4.1 assists per contest. McGovern is a multi-sport athlete at her high school, as she is a member of the golf and soccer teams. In addition to Lincoln, she also competes in AAU basketball for the Illinois Wolverines.
"Kelly is a tough, hard nosed point guard, who loves to compete. She excels in advancing the ball up the court and is just as comfortable in running half court offense. Kelly is a playmaker who's leadership we will be relying on to guide our young class," said Andruzzi.
Milner, a 6-0 forward from Cold Spring, New York, attends Haldane High School, where she is a New York State Scholar-Athlete and a member of the Haldane Academic Hall of Fame. As a junior, she averaged 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game and was selected to the Class C All-Tournament team. For AAU, Milner plays for the WBA Lady Knicks.
"Liz is a competitor! She is a long, strong, athletic wing, who can score on the perimeter and take it to the hoop. I like her physicality and ability to hit the boards. Liz's AAU experience playing for John Riley on the WBA Lady Knicks will help her as she makes her transition to the college game," said Andruzzi.
Suhr, a 6-0 forward from Walworth, New York, attends Marion High School, where she is a multi-sport athlete, playing both basketball and soccer. She was named the NYSSCOGS New York State Co-Player of the Year, as well as First Team All-Class C. She was a member of the 2009-10 Class C State Championship team, averaging 19 points per game. In AAU, Suhr plays for the Crystal City Stars.
"We look for Liv to fill a big void in the post. She is an undersized post who plays bigger than her size. Strong and physical, Liv also can step outside and hit the mid-range shot," said Andruzzi.
Tapio, a 6-0 forward from Brewster, New York, plays for Brewster High School, where she was a double-double threat as a junior, averaging 19.2 points and 10.6 rebounds a contest, while adding 4.9 assists per game. She helped Brewster to a 15-5 record last season, earning Fourth Team All-New York State for Class A. For AAU, Tapio is a member of the NY Pride.
"Emily is a versatile wing who can score, shoot and defend. She plays with great passion and enthusiasm and has a work ethic that is second to none. Emily is a great fit for our program," said Andruzzi.
