For immediate release: July 7th, 2008 – Morris, MN University of Minnesota, Morris Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tim Grove has announced that six Minnesotans have announced their intentions to enroll at UMM and play basketball for the Cougars beginning with the 2008 season.
The six are:
1) Jennifer Noordmans (Hancock)
Jennifer accumulated many honors throughout her high school basketball career. She was named to the Class A All-State team as a senior and was the Pheasant Conference Most Valuable Player. She is a 1,000 point scorer and a 3-time all conference selection. Her Hancock Owls also placed 2nd in State in 2007.
“There isn’t much she can’t do” Grove said. “She’s very versatile and can shoot the three well and puts the ball on the floor. Jenni was very well coached in high school and will do a great job for us here at UMM.”
Jennifer is the daughter of Dale and Betty Noordmans of Hancock and plans to pursue a degree in Sports Management.
2) Mackenzie Esson (New Ulm)
After playing for the Austin Packers through her sophomore year, Mackenzie transferred to New Ulm, MN. For Austin, she was a two year letter winner as well as voted Defensive Player of the Year. At New Ulm, Mackenzie was voted Most Valuable Player her senior season and received South Central Conference All-Conference. She averaged 11.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last year.
“Mackenzie has the potential to develop into a very good player.” Grove added, “Her footwork is very good and she defends the post very well. We are happy to have her here at UMM.”
Mackenzie is the daughter of Jim and Shari Esson and will pursue a degree in Biology.
3) Natalie Thomas (Champlin Park)
An outstanding volleyball player, Natalie will be playing volleyball for Coach Heather Pennie and the UMM Cougars this fall. She is a floor general, able to run the show on both the volleyball and basketball courts. Natalie is an outstanding athlete and will be a welcomed addition to the UMM basketball program.
Coach Grove said, “Natalie will make an impact for us on both ends of the court. She has tremendous athleticism and we look forward to having her at UMM.”
Natalie is the daughter of Stuart and Pam Thomas and is planning on majoring in Education.
4) Kaila Lindsay (Becker)
Kaila comes to UMM from a very successful basketball program. Becker has had four consecutive 20 win seasons, and went all the way to a State Title in 2007. Kaila was selected her senior year as the recipient of the Award for Most Heart. Also a lacrosse player, her team finished 3rd in the State in 2007 and participated in the 2008 State Tournament, as well.
Cougar Head Coach Tim Grove stated, “Kaila will do a great job for us. She has practiced with and against Division I talent her entire high school career, and that will certainly help her at this level.”
Kaila is the daughter of Paul and Gloria Lindsay.
5) Nikki Washek (Underwood)
Nikki comes to UMM with a lot of success on the basketball court in her career. The past two seasons she played at NDSCS for the Wildcats, earning 1st Team All Conference and All Region honors this season. She averaged 14 ppg and shot 33% from 3 point range. Also an outstanding defensive player, Nikki won the team’s defensive award her freshman season. She was All Conference, Honorable Mention All State, and a 1,000 point scorer at Battle Lake High School.
“We are so excited to have Nikki joining our program,” Grove stated. “She is a tremendous athlete and can impact a game on both ends of the floor. She will provide us with another legitimate scoring threat from 3 point range.”
Nikki is the daughter of Jerald and Maureen Washek and will major in Sports Management.
6) Stephanie Roggenbuck (Osakis)
Stephanie joins the UMM women’s basketball program after one year with the Wildcats of NDSCS. As a freshman this past season, Stephanie averaged almost 9 points per game on 58% shooting, and close to 6 rebounds per game. She was also an outstanding high school player at Osakis going over the 1,000 point plateau and earning All Conference honors. Her teams were very successful going 74-7 over her sophomore through senior seasons.
Roggenbuck was Conference MVP, Osakis girl's all time leading scorer with 1664 pts, Honorable Mention All state Jr. and Sr. years, averaged 22 ppg, 8.2 rpg. in high school.
Coach Tim Grove said, “Stephanie will fit in very well here at UMM. She plays very well around the basket and has the ability to step out and knock down shots. She will certainly help solidify the interior on both ends of the floor.”
Stephanie is the daughter of Tim and Mary Roggenbuck and she is looking at a possible Management major.
