SEATTLE (Nov. 16) - Seattle University women's basketball has announced its signees for the 2017 class. Coach Suzy Barcomb will bring in five newcomers for the 2017-18 season.
Maddi Dopplick, Leilia Orji, Leilani Peat, Makenna Schoenhofer, and Kallin Spiller will join the Redhawks next season.
“We are thrilled with our early signing recruiting class,” said Barcomb. “We were very diligent in our process, finding the perfect fit in terms of athletic abilities, versatility on the floor, academic achievements and the competitive personalities in each player. More importantly each student-athlete believed in our vision for Seattle University's women's basketball program. Skip Gleason, our recruiting coordinator, was instrumental in finalizing this recruiting class.”
Dopplick is a transfer from junior college power Mount SAC. The 5-7 guard appeared in 27 games at Sacramento State last season, making a pair of starts. She earned Big Sky All-Academic recognition.
“Madeline is a fundamental point guard who can score the ball,” said Barcomb. “She can move to the 2-guard spot with ease. She understands the game, knows the point guard must be an extension of the head coach and can handle the pressure. She will bring us experience at the point guard position and gives us some much-needed depth. She knows the challenges of learning a new system and won't shy away from growing her game.”
Orji is a 6-0 forward from Rancho Cucamonga, California. She earned All-CIF Division IAA recognition as a sophomore. Orji was the CIF Newcomer of the Year in 2015 as well. She has twice been named All-Baseline League in her career.
“She runs with ease, slashes to the rim, can shoot the 3-ball and loves to rebound,” said Barcomb. “Lei will give us size, speed, and so much versatility out on the floor. Lei played for a highly-successful AAU program (West Coast Premier) and understands what it takes to be successful on a bigger stage. Her athletic abilities are surpassed by her academics and that makes her a perfect fit for Seattle University.”
Peat is a 6-0 forward out of Corona Del Sol High. She was chosen first team all-section and second team all-state out of Tempe, Arizona.
“We came into the picture late with Lei and we are thrilled it worked in our favor,” said Barcomb. “She has size, strength, and versatility, as well as being from a highly successful athletic family. Lei grew up competing from early stages in life. She can play the 1-5 spots on the floor. She is long, runs incredibly well and has a great basketball IQ.”
Schoenhofer, a product of St. Bernard's Academy, is a 5-10 guard out of Fortuna, California. She has been named all-league three times. Schoenhofer has earned league MVP in each of the last two seasons. She has also played soccer and softball, serving as team captain for all three sports.
“She is strong, athletic and highly competitive,” said Barcomb. “She has a great motor and a dynamic personality. Makenna has so much untapped potential. With her work ethic and positive attitude, we are looking forward to watching the growth of her game over the next four years.”
Spiller will be a two-sport athlete at SU. The Seattle native will also play volleyball. Spiller, a Lakeside School product, is a 6-3 forward. She claimed Second Team All-Metro League as a junior, along with All-Western Washington First Team accolades as a sophomore.
“We are thrilled to have a local high school academic and athletic talent stay in the area,” said Barcomb. “This is a win-win for us academically and athletically. Kallin's versatility on the court will serve our basketball program well as we move forward. Kallin moves well on the floor, can play the 3-5 spots, she can knock down the 3-ball or take her game to the low block.”
Barcomb and her staff have opened the 2016-17 season and will host UC-Santa Barbara on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Connolly Complex.