Entering her second season at the helm of the storied Texas Women’s Basketball program, Head Coach Karen Aston delivered an ESPN rated Top 10 recruiting class of four high school seniors. Quotes obtained via TexasSports.com
Joining the Texas Longhorns are:
6-1 Forward Diani Akigbogun (Aurora, CO)
5-11 Guard Ariel Atkins (Duncanville, TX)
5-4 Guard Tasia Foman (Duncanville, TX)
5-4 Guard Brooke McCarty (League City, TX)
The group combined for almost 300 wins in their careers and three state championships. Akigbogun was named the 2012-13 Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year and was an unanimous first-team all-state selection.
On the class Aston said: “We have been waiting on this day for a very long time and I cannot express how excited I am about this class. These young ladies are winners at everything they do, which includes the classroom, basketball, and how they carry themselves. Our staff did a tremendous job targeting these student-athletes to put together a championship-level class. There is one word that describes them all: WINNERS,” Aston said. “They all come from storied high school programs and have been part of championship programs with tremendous coaching. They bring a winning attitude that will be apparent when they set foot on the Forty Acres.”
On Akigbogun Aston said: “Diani brings much needed depth at the forward position and is one of those players that always finds herself around the ball. Our fans will love her attitude and work ethic.”
Duncanville signees Atkins and Foman are coached by Lifetime Longhorn Cathy Self-Morgan. The pair has two state titles to their credit and went 40-0 last year. Atkins is the number four ranked player and number one ranked guard in the nation, an ESPN five star recruit.
On Atkins Coach Aston stated: “Ariel is a dynamic scorer and a tremendous defender. She is a player that demands so much respect from her opponents and her teammates. Another high-motor player that fits our style perfectly. Ariel is a throwback player who is best described as simply special.”
Foman was ranked by ESPN as the 24th best guard in the nation. She is a two-time District 7-5A Defensive Player of the Year and was named TABC Class 5A All-State for the 2012-13 season.
Aston on Foman: “Tasia will bring so many intangibles to our program. She can defend, hit the jump shot and just simply make plays. She has a high motor, which I love in guards.”
Last but certainly not least on the list is McCarty, the 29th overall recruit in the country and the sixth ranked guard. The ESPN five star prospect is a three-time TABC 5A All-State honoree and a three-time District 24-5A MVP.
On McCarty, Aston said: “Brooke is the epitome of a leader and a point guard. She has a knack for knowing when to pass and when to take a shot, but most importantly how to make others better. Brooke has that it factor that stats or eye tests don’t identify.”
The job Karen Aston has done is remarkable, and the future looks brighter than ever.
