Nov. 18, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University head women's basketball coach Michelle Bento-Jackson has signed three forwards to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period that began last Wednesday. The third-year head coach has secured the services of Kim Goeggel of Brea, Sam Jonasson of Clackamas, Ore., and Claire Goins of Sioux City, Iowa. The trio of post players will join the Bronco program next fall.
"These three will be a tremendous addition to our program and to Santa Clara University," Bento-Jackson said. "They will make an immediate contribution and will provide us the depth in the front court. They are all honor students and truly exemplify the qualities and characteristics of a Santa Clara student-athlete."
Goeggel (pronounced Gay-gel) comes from Brea-Olinda High School, an annual powerhouse in girls' basketball. In her junior season, the 6-0 player helped lead her team to an undefeated league record and the CIFSS Division 2A State title. Goeggel earned All- League second team honors as well as being named a Brea-Olinda High School and Century League Scholar Athlete.
"Kimee is a physical player who is very aggressive and active on the boards," Bento-Jackson commented. "She comes from an extremely successful high school program and will bring all of the intangibles that we look for in a student-athlete."
Jonasson is a 6-1 forward out of Clackamas High School in Oregon. Last season, she averaged 11.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game en route to receiving first-team All-Three Rivers League honors.
"Sam will provide us with a true low-block presence," Bento-Jackson added. "She is a skilled player with versatility and will fit into our system very well. Sam has the abilities to be an immediate impact to our program."
Goins (pronounced GO-ins) comes from Bishop Heelan High School, where she is a 6-1 post player who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game last season. She also shot 56 percent from the floor as a junior and received second team All-Missouri River Conference, All-IBCA District and All-Metro Team honors. An All-Academic selection by the MRC, Goins is also a standout volleyball player, and recently led her team to the semifinals of the state tournament.
"Claire is a versatile player, who has the ability not only to be a threat from the inside, but can also step away from the basket and hit the outside shot," Bento-Jackson noted.
Santa Clara will open the 2004-05 regular season at home against Fresno State on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Leavey Center.