SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's basketball program and head coach Jennifer Mountain have received a National Letter of Intent from Aragon High School star Arteivia Lilomaiava (Aragon High School/San Mateo) to study at SCU and play for the Broncos in 2010-11.
Lilomaiava is one of three true-freshmen signees in Santa Clara's incoming class. The Broncos announced the signing of guards Ricki Radanovich (Carondelet High School/Concord) and Iman Scott (Archbishop Mitty High School/San Jose) in November.
An exceptionally skilled 6-foot forward, Lilomaiava, was twice named the San Mateo County `Player of the Year' by the San Mateo County Times. She averaged a double-double as a senior, helping Aragon to a 19-win season in 2009-10.
"Arteivia is going to bring something to this team that we haven't had," said Mountain, who guided Santa Clara to the semifinals of the West Coast Conference tournament this spring. "Arteivia was able to play every position at the high school level. She is a talented player who can really handle the ball well in the post."
Lilomaiava was named the 2010 Peninsula Bay League `Most Valuable Player' drawing praise for her versatility and selfless play. The San Francisco Chronicle named her to its list of All-Metro performers for 2009-10. Lilomaiava led the Dons to the Central Coast Section Division II playoffs as a senior, following a runner-up finish in the Peninsula Athletic League tournament.
"Arteivia is the right kind of person and student-athlete for our program," said Mountain. "She works extremely hard and is accomplished academically. To sign a local player is also exciting for us. I know that it's important for her and her family as well."