Noelle Roldan is one of five players in Head Coach Brianna Chambers' 2010 recruiting class.
San Rafael, Calif. — The Dominican University of California women’s basketball team announced its 2010 recruiting class on Monday and it will give the Lady Penguins a bigger presence in the frontcourt and add intensity in the backcourt.
“We are very excited about the new additions to the Penguin family,” said Dominican Head Coach
Brianna Chambers. “The posts bring added height, rebounding and shot blocking ability, which we lacked last year. The guards will add playmaking ability and aggressiveness. The best part of this class is that they continue the tradition of being quality people and student-athletes.”
The tallest recruit is 6-foot-2
Lauren Hyatt out of Serrano High School in Phelan. She averaged 10 points, a league-high 12 rebounds, and a league-high three blocked shots a game in being named first team All-Mojave River League last season.
“Lauren has great hands and is not afraid to go after the basketball,” Chambers said. “With the type of defensive pressure we want to apply, the guards will like having someone that can block shots behind them.”
The other incoming freshman post player is
Mary Kate Jankowski, a 6-foot center and the team’s Most Valuable Player from LaReina High School in Thousand Oaks. She averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks per game to earn first team honors for All Tri-Valley League.
“Mary Kate is a physical post who loves defense,” Chambers said. “From her stats, you can tell she works just as hard on the glass as she does on the offensive end. She set a school record when she grabbed 27 rebounds in a game. I don't care who you are playing against, that is some serious work on the glass.”
With the graduation of Dominican’s all-time leading scorer, guard
Alisha Flaaten, and
Michaelia Baskerville, who was the team’s second-leading scorer last season, the Lady Penguins are adding depth to the backcourt.
Alyssa Prudencio is a 5-5 guard out from Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose. She averaged 12 points a game last season when she was named Mount Hamilton Division First-Team All-League.
“Alyssa is a strong guard with a shooters touch but also brings a great understanding for the game and that dedication to be in the gym all the time,” Chambers said.
Joining Prudencio as an incoming freshman guard is 5-6
Noelle Roldan, a two-time Monticello Empire League MVP. She averaged 13 points, four assists, four steals, and two rebounds a game her senior season at Napa High School.
“Noelle is a play maker, super competitive and loves being in the gym,” Chambers said. “That is a scary combination because she is going to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Rather it be scoring, passing, or defense, she is a big-time player.”
Another California player,
Kalya Valentine of Chico, will bring the same combination of skills to Dominican. The 5-6 guard averaged 17 points, three assists, two steals, and four rebounds per game for Don Lugo High School last season on her way to being named All Mt. Baldy League First-Team.
“Kayla is an aggressive and strong guard,” Chambers said. “Being the daughter of a coach, she understands the game and doesn't back down. I'm looking forward to seeing her and Noelle in the backcourt because those are two guards that can score, pass, rebound and defend but only care about winning.“