Waites Signs First Recruiting Class
11/17/1998 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Waites Signs First Recruiting Class
11/17/1998
PITTSBURGH -- University of Pittsburgh first-year head basketball coach Traci Waites announced the signing of five basketball prospects to national letters-of-intent for the 1999-2000 season. Included in the group is local standout Brooke Stewart, who is considered one of the top prospects in Western Pennsylvania as well as the country.
The five new recruits are Stewart, a 5-8 guard from nearby East Allegheny High School; Laine Selwyn, a 5-7 point guard from Coral Springs High School in Coral Springs, Fla.; Dallas Williams, a 6-0 forward from Mason High School in Mason, Ohio; Robyn Swain, a 6-4 center from Carroll High School in Xenia, Ohio; and Amanda Wittenmyer, a 6-2 forward from Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
"We are extremely pleased with our five signees," said Waites. "I think we have a very strong class. What we are gaining in this class will be beneficial to the program here at Pittsburgh. These recruits, combined with the players we have, will provide us with a promising foundation for the future."
Stewart averaged 29.4 points, six steals, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game as a junior. She was twice named a Street & Smith's honorable mention All-American (1997 and 1998). At East Allegheny, Stewart has tallied 2,091 career points. As a junior, she was named to the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette and Tribune-Review Fabulous Five teams. During her sophomore season, Stewart set a new school single-game scoring record with 56 points.
"Brooke is an incredible athlete," said Waites. "She is a local product and a big supporter of our program. She will be a tremendous scorer and defender within the conference in the future."
Selwyn, a first-team All-State selection at Coral Springs, averaged 24.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and four steals per game last season as a point guard. Selwyn was named a first-team All- County selection by the Miami Herald and Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinal last season.
"Laine will play the point position for us next season and provide a backup to Monique Toney," said Waites. "She is a great athlete and person, and she is excited about being a part of our program."
Williams, the 1997-98 Cincinnati and Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) Player of the Year, averaged 19.2 points and eight rebounds per game as a junior at Mason. She received second- team All-State and first-team All-District honors last season.
"Dallas is an outstanding athlete who has the potential to excel in the conference as a freshman," said Waites. "She brings an excellent work ethic and attitude to our program."
Swain, the Mid-Miami League Player of the Year, averaged 17.2 points and 12 rebounds per game last season. She currently holds the national record for blocked shots in a game with 19. Named All-District last season, Swain was also named first team Mid-Miami and was a Dayton Daily News Top 10 All-Area selection.
"Robyn has a great attitude and physical presence," said Waites. "With her mobility and excellent hands, she will be able to step in as a center."
Wittenmyer, one of Pennsylvania's top power forward prospects, is a 1998 Street & Smith's honorable mention All-American. She is a two-time Patriot News Big 15 selection and was named to the Carlisle Sentinel All-Star team. Wittenmyer, who sat out her junior year, averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore.
"Mandy brings a toughness and attitude to our team," said Waites. "She is a Pennsylvania athlete who will be a strong power forward for us."