November 30, 2009
Maryville Inks Seven Early Signees
ST. LOUIS—Maryville University Athletics signed seven early signees today. Softball led all teams with its three signees, Elizabeth Ladd (House Springs, Mo.), Jennifer Maynez (Clovis, Calif.) and Danielle Wydra (Lockport, Ill.), volleyball signed two Julia Greaves (Fenton, Mo.) and Demi Maniaci (Washington, Mo.) while men's basketball and golf each had one signee Rahumus Wingard (Saginaw, Mich.) and Michael Killam (Watuaga, Texas).
Ladd was a First-team All-Region, All-State, All-District and All-Conference selection her senior year. In her junior season, she was a Second-team All-Region and All-Metro selection in addition to being named First-team All-District and All-Conference. Ladd was a four-year honor roll student and a National Honors Society member. She also was a three-year member of Student Council and served as the Senior Class President.
"Ladd shows true love for the game," said head softball coach Melissa Hurley. "She has speed and power in a small, extremely athletic, package. Beth will help lead our outfield and will generate many runs."
Maynez was a member of the 2009 CIF Central Section Valley Championship team and was a Buchanan High School Scholar Athlete as she maintained a 4.0 GPA while participating in softball.
"(Maynez) is very strong academically, athletically and has a joyful character," commented Hurley. "She will contribute greatly to our team chemistry as well as bring depth to our line-up and strength to our corners with her arm.
"Danni Wydra exudes intensity and hard work," continued Hurley. "Her energy fires up the field and raises the bar of excellence. She can play multiply positions and brings additional power to our offense."
Maniaci was a two-time First-team All-District selection and named Honorable Mention All-State in her freshman season and First-team All-State her sophomore year.
"Maniaci will help us at the outside hitter position to score points in tough situations," said head volleyball coach Bob Crank. "Greaves is a great all-around volleyball player and a naturally gifted athlete. She brings a lot to our team in many different ways and is intuitively a great blocker. "
Wingard comes to Maryville from Delta Community College in University Center, Mich. He was named Second-team All-Class B and Second-team All-Conference at Bridgeport High School.
"When I look at our young, but talented roster, I don't think I could have dreamed-up a better addition to our team for next season than Wingard," said head men's basketball coach Matt Rogers. "Not only does he bring the defensive presence and athleticism we greatly need, but he will add leadership, experience and humility to our already outstanding group of young men."
Killam was a four-time First-team All-District selection and three-time All-District honoree. He won three individual tournaments in his junior season and two Junior Opens. Killam also participated in cross country all four years and was a National Honors Society member.
"I expect Michael to be a contributing member of the Golf team from day one," said head men's golf coach Glenn Paulus. "He has played a lot of tournament golf the last three years both in Texas and New Hampshire with numerous wins and has been a perennial First-team All-District at the Texas Class 5A level. He is passionate about academic achievement as well as golf. We look forward to Michael being a productive member of the golf team and in the Maryville community as a whole."
Contact: KatieJo Kuhens, SID (kkuhens@maryville.edu)
