Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton College head women's basketball coach
Kent Madsen has announced the addition of six newcomers that have submitted their deposit to attend Wheaton College, with the intent to play for the Thunder women's basketball team beginning with the 2014-15 season.
Madsen says of the six incoming freshman, "We are very excited about the incoming class of 2014-15. All of them had quality high school careers, and we look forward to seeing them perform at the college level. Our goal was to bring in a larger class to increase roster depth and competitiveness, and this talented group helps us to fulfill that goal."
The newcomers with plans to join the women's basketball program in 2014-15 are:
Lizzy Atkinson (Northport, N.Y./Northport High School) is a five-foot-seven-inch guard who joins the Thunder after averaging 11 points, five assists, and three steals during her senior season at Northport High School. Atkinson left her mark on the Lady Tigers' program by setting a school record of 29 three-pointers in a season and knocking down six threes in a game. Atkinson was a two-time All-League selection and added All-Conference and All-County accolades as a senior. Academically, Atkinson was a two-time New York State All-Academic Team honoree.
Jennifer Berg (Manito, Ill./Midwest Central High School) is a five-foot-ten-inch forward who graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder and rewrote the Midwest Central record books. In her senior season, she averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds. She was on the 2011 Midwest Central Regional Championship team and the 2014 team that won the Tomahawk Conference. Berg earned IBCA First Team All-State in 2014, IBCA Second Team All-State in 2013, and IBCA All-State honorable mention selections in 2012 and 2011. As a four-year varsity starter, she was a four-time Peoria Journal Star First Team All-Area selection and four-time First Team All-Conference selection. In addition to these basketball-related accomplishments, Berg received Academic All-State honorable mention and graduated as valedictorian of her class.
Mel Bremhorst (Springfield, Ill./Springfield High School) is a six-foot forward who was a member of the Springfield High School team that finished 28-2 in her senior season, where she was a key rebounder with an average of five rebounds per game and 28 blocked shots on the season. Bremhorst, who played on the varsity unit all four years, won four conference championships with her teams going undefeated in conference play in 2012 and 2014. Her 2011 and 2012 varsity squads won Regional, Sectional, and Super Sectional championships with each squad taking home a fourth-place finish at state. Bremhorst was recognized as an Academic All-Conference scholar in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Kelly Lawson (St. Anthony, Minn./St. Anthony Village High School) is a five-foot-ten-inch guard who was a three-year varsity starter as a prep. As the team's captain and Most Valuable Player her senior year, Lawson garnered All-Conference and All-State Academic honors to add to the All-Conference honors she achieved as a sophomore and junior. Lawson, a three-sport athlete, was twice named the Most Valuable Player on her volleyball team and was an All-State softball player who tied the school's record for most hits in a season. Additionally, Lawson won the Athena Award, Triple A Award and graduated from her high school as the salutatorian.
Kristen O'Brien (Wadsworth, Ill./Warren Township High School) is a five-foot-nine-inch guard who comes to Wheaton as a four-year varsity player from Warren Township High School. In her senior season, she averaged 11 points and five rebounds per game. She garnered All-Conference and All-Area recognition. O'Brien, a Lake County All-Star, earned All-Academic accolades and sportsmanship honors. O'Brien was part of the successful 2011 Warren Township team that won a Regional championship. She was also selected as an Illinois State Scholar for her outstanding academic achievement.
Jennifer Voytell (Naperville, Ill./Metea Valley High School) is a five-foot-ten-inch guard who led her team in scoring as a senior, averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game. She shot 88% from the free throw line and 34% behind the three-point arc as a senior. Voytell, an All-Upstate Eight Conference Player, was named to the 2014 4A All-Area DuPage County Team, the Beacon News All-Area First Team, the 2014 Naperville Sun All-City First Team, and the 2014 Illinois Upstate Eight, Class 4A All-Conference Team. She competed in the IHSA Three-Point Showdown Championship event and was the 2013 and 2014 Regional Country Financial Three-Point Showdown winner. In addition, Voytell was a three-time Illinois Upstate Eight, Class 4A Academic All-Conference honoree, an Illinois State Scholar, and an Indian Prairie Scholar.
