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May 14, 2007 Lacey, WA – Saint Martin’s University women’s basketball has signed four players, including three high school seniors and one junior college transfer, to National Letters of Intent as announced by head coach Tim Healy. Joining the Saints’ squad next year will be freshmen Roni Jo Mielke, Katie Hawkins, Dara Zack and transfer Michelle Short. “We are very excited about this recruiting class,” said Healy. “We feel like we did everything we could to improve the program and add depth for the future.” Mielke, a 5’6” guard from Harrington, WA, was named Washington State “B” Player of the Year in 2007 as well as the State Tournament MVP. She was a first-team all-League selection the past three years and a first-team all-State selection in 2006. Mielke averaged 18.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game leading to an impressive 1336 points in her high school career. She also posted an average of 5.5 assists and five steals per game. “We are very excited to have signed a player with the resume of Roni Jo. Not only is she a skilled player, but she is a fierce competitor with a history of success in all that she has done. We believe that she will come to our program and contribute right from the start,” said Healy. “She is a great kid and a great student and we are thrilled to have her at SMU.” Hawkins, a 6’ forward out of West Valley High School in Yakima, WA, was first-team all-League in 2007 and received 3A all-Stare honorable mention the same year. She averaged 11.4 points per game as well as 8.7 rebounds. “Katie has the potential to be a fine player here at SMU,” said Healy. “What I like most about her is the versatility factor. She can play with her back to the basket and knock down the open three. As she gets physically stronger we believe she will be a significant contributor.” Zack is a 5’9” guard from University High School in Spokane Valley, WA who was selected first-team all-League in 2007. She was also selected second-team all-State. Zack averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. “Dara is going to surprise some people. She is a very smart player, with outstanding fundamentals, who has been an all-league performer in a very successful high school program. To top it off she is an outstanding student and will fit in well here at SMU,” said Healy. The Saints’ only junior college recruit, Short is a 5’9” guard from Wenatchee Valley Community College. She was named first-team East region all-NWAACC. Short posted an average of 17.6 points per game along with 5.7 rebounds. “We are ecstatic about this signing,” said Healy. “Michelle is a hard working, versatile, aggressive player who is coming from a successful junior college program. She should be an immediate impact player on both sides of the ball. Her basketball IQ is very high and we are very excited about her potential.” Losing only one senior from this year’s team the Saints hope to build on what they have established and believe that the addition of these recruits can help them accomplish that. “These players are all outstanding student-athletes and I am looking forward to having them on campus in the fall,” added Healy.
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