BISMARCK, ND – With his whole team returning next season, University of Mary women's basketball head coach
Rick Neumann strategically pursued of a pair of student-athletes for the 2019-20 season and found success. As the official NCAA signing period begins, Minnesota natives Megan Voit and Madyson Shafer both committed to join the Marauders in the fall of 2019 and continue their education at the University of Mary
"Overall this is a great class for us," said Neumann. "With no seniors on the roster for 2018-19 we really wanted to identify the perfect fit for our program and pursue a limited number of recruits. We are extremely excited to sign two very talented players from the state of Minnesota who had offers from up and down the NSIC. We feel the additions of the Lumen Vitae Center, Rohr's Hall and renovation of our women's basketball facilities have made us more attractive to a wider range of recruits from areas we have not traditionally had a lot of success recruiting. The addition of Coach
Adam Jacobson and his connections recruiting Minnesota can't be understated. This class is an example of those efforts and the exciting improvements made to our beautiful campus."
Megan Voit (G, 5-7, Fr., Sauk Rapids, MN / Cathedral High School)
Led Cathedral High School to 23-7 record in 2018 as a junior… team captain her junior and senior seasons… Averaged 15.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, set school record with 98 three-pointers, and made 65 percent of her free throws, 37.2 percent of 3-pointers and shot 51.1 percent overall from the field as a junior in 2018… reached 1,000 career points in junior year and was named team's offensive player of the year… Two-time all-region selection (2018 as a junior and honorable mention in 2017 as a sophomore)… three-time all-conference (2018 and 2017 and 2016 honorable mention as a freshman)… two-time all-area choice (2018 and 2017 as honorable mention)… led Cathedral to 21-8 record as a sophomore in 2017… Three-sport athlete who is also a setter in volleyball and a pitcher in softball… member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honors Program, Optimist Club, Student Ambassadors, Campus Ministry… a volunteer in her local Parish… daughter of Michelle and Jeff Voit… will pursue a degree in nursing at the University of Mary.
"Megan is one of the best shooters in the state of Minnesota for 2019," said Marauders head coach
Rick Neumann. "She has an ultra-quick release and great pre-shot preparation. Megan is a unique story as far as recruiting goes. Former UMary men's assistant Casey Bruggeman called me this summer and mentioned a chance meeting with someone who knew Megan. From there I found out she was coming to campus to visit our first-class nursing program. I reached out to Megan and as the saying goes the rest is history. She ended up playing for a local AAU team and once I met Megan and saw her play, the full court press was on. We are extremely excited to welcome Megan into our program. She is an exceptional student, is a multi-sport athlete, and comes from a great family."
Madyson Shafer (G, 5-7, Fr., Princeton, MN / Princeton High School)
Two-time All-Conference selection at Princeton (MN) high school as a junior in 2018 and an honorable mention selection as a sophomore in 2017… two-time team captain (junior and senior years)… Averaged 11 points, 3.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game as a junior… has scored over 700 career points… Princeton won the conference title and finished second in the section her freshman season (2016)… earned Principal's Award and All-Conference academic honors… involved in National Honor Society, Unified Club and SADD… daughter of Troy and Bobbie Shafer… Plans to pursue a Biology/pre-pharmacy degree at the University of Mary.
"Madyson comes from one of the best AAU programs in the upper Midwest and through Coach Jacobson we were able to establish a relationship with her and her family," said Marauders head coach
Rick Neumann. "She has played all over the country against top competition and had great success doing so. Mady is a big-time scorer for her Princeton High School team and is very well coached. We are excited about her ability to play both the point guard and wing for us. Despite her offensive prowess she also excels on the defensive side of the ball. She fits the dynamic of the type of on ball defender we want to recruit. We feel great about her ability to come in and impact the game immediately."
The Marauders, who open the 2018-19 regular season Wednesday night with a 113-59 home win over Yellowstone Christian College, are projected to finish sixth overall in the rugged Northern Sun conference this season and junior forward
Gabbie Bohl was named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year. UMary next hosts Rhema Bible College on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 4 pm at the McDowell Activity Center.
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