Troy University Athletics
Trojans' Michael Murphy announces signing class
11/15/2007 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (W)
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University women's basketball program announced the addition of four players - Aarika Howard, Tenia Manuel, Jacklyn Selfe and Maggie Wright - for next season.
“This recruiting class has a great deal of diversity among their basketball skills, as well as their personalities," Trojans head coach Michael Murphy said. "Each student-athlete brings special qualities on and off the court that will continue to build upon the foundation we currently have here. That special combination means the future of Troy basketball looks bright.”
Howard, a 6'3" post player from Westlake High School in Atlanta, will bring postseason experience to the Trojans next season. Her high school team and AAU team have consistently competed for state and national championships.
“Aarika has great potential at the power forward position in our league,' Murphy said. "She will help fill a need for us in the post with her size and skill. We are excited about the addition of a skilled post player who is coming from an established high school program under Coach Hilda Hankerson at Westlake High School, as well as AAU program, under Guy Coleman's USA Stars.”
Manuel, a 6' post player from Leesburg (FL), will add depth to the post position and will bring much the same experience that Howard brings to the Trojans next season. Her high school has been a state finalist, and she and Howard will look to translate into their college careers at Troy University.
“The athletic versatility of Tenia will allow her to play either the small forward or swing position," Murphy said. "At Leesburg High School, under Coach Mark Oates, her teams continue to battle for the state title. She is also a talented track athlete, competing for state championships there as well. Her time playing summer ball with the TGFB program under Coach Marcus Niblack was well spent.”
Selfe, a 5'10" versatile guard, could make an immediate impact for the Trojans. During her prep career, she was captain for the Gold Medial Provincial team that competed for a national title.
“Our combo guards have traditionally been strong in our program,' Murphy said. "Jacklyn is no exception, hailing from the Canadian National Elite Development Academy (NEDA). Her international experience will bring solid play to our swing position, and she has the size and skill to make an impact as a combo guard in our league. Under Coach Skye Anguss, she helped lead the Ontario Provincial Team to a National Title.”
Wright will bring defensive pressure to the Trojans next season. The 5'10" defensive stopper has helped her team at Ponce De Leon High School consistently compete for state championships.
“Maggie brings great work ethic at the guard position, as well as a ferocious appetite for defense," Murphy said. "I have watched her development over the years at our Troy Team Camps under Coach Tim Alford at Ponce De Leon High School, whose teams have consistently competed for state titles. She will have the opportunity to play either lead or shooting guard in our system.”
The group will look to come in and help lead Troy into the future.
“Each of these student-athletes brings a great deal of enthusiasm to our program," Murphy said. "We are pleased to officially welcome them to the Trojan basketball family!”
