The University of Akron Athletics
Women's Basketball Announces 2011-12 Signing Class
November 11 | Women's Basketball
University of Akron women's basketball head coach Jodi Kest, the 2009-10 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, announced the signings of Brittani Thomas and Candace Martino to National Letters of Intent Thursday.
"We are very happy to announce the additions of Brittani and Candace to our Akron family," Kest said. "These individuals bring different aspects of the game that will only enhance our overall team. They will both fit in very well with the up-tempo style that we want to play."
Thomas, a 5-10 guard from Africentric High School in Columbus, Ohio, is an all-district honoree who averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game while shooting 51 percent from the field as a junior. Thomas led her team to the Division IV state championship as a sophomore and a record of 64-12 overall during the past three seasons.
"Brittani comes from one of the most successful high school programs in Ohio," Kest said. "She is a great athlete and defender. Her athleticism and length will be a great addition to our team. We feel she has a tremendous upside and we are very excited that she is a Zip."
Martino, a 5-8 guard from Bethel Park High School in Bethel Park, Pa., averaged 16 points per game as a sophomore and junior and has already surpassed the 1,000-point mark of her career. The two-time, first team all-conference player has led her team to an overall team mark of 62-23 over three seasons.
"In evaluating our team, we felt that we needed to bring in not only another scorer but also a 3-point shooter," Kest said. "We feel we got both in Candace. She is a tremendous shooter with a quick release and deep range. Not only can she shoot the three, but she can also create off the dribble and handle the basketball very well. We are looking forward to what she will bring to our team next year."
Fresh off its 68-49 exhibition victory over Ashland last weekend, the 2010-11 Zips will officially tip off their new campaign on the road next Monday, Nov. 15, at IPFW starting at 7 p.m. (ET) It will be the first of two road games for Akron before its home opener on Sunday, Nov. 21, when Niagara comes to Rhodes Arena for a 2 o'clock contest.
Season tickets for Akron women's basketball are on sale now. To become a season ticket holder, go online via the ticketing page on GoZips.com, call 1-888-99-AKRON (25766) or stop by in-person at the Akron Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the intersection of E. Exchange and S. Union streets), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET.
UA 2011-12
Signing Class
Brittani Thomas, G, 5-10, Columbus, Ohio (Africentric High
School)
Candace Martino, G, 5-8, Bethel Park, Pa. (Bethel Park High
School)
