Fresno State Athletics
Women's Basketball Signs Three To National Letters Of Intent
4/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 22, 2004
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FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State women's basketball head coach Stacy Johnson-Klein has announced the signing of three athletes to national letters of intent during the spring period: Toni Atherley, Amy Parrish and Miranda Swearengin.
"I am really excited about our spring recruiting class," said Johnson-Klein. "As we enter the third year of our program, I feel that we are right where we need to be and an example of that is getting the caliber of player that fits our system. All three of these student-athletes are academically sound and tremendous leaders on the floor. They will provide added depth to our roster."
Parrish, a 6-0 forward originally from Hanford, Calif., headlines Johnson-Klein's spring recruiting class. Parrish was named MVP of Northern California after leading Reedley College to an appearance in the 2004 state semifinals, where the Tigers were upended by eventual state champion Mt. San Antonio College.
"Amy's talent speaks for itself," Johnson-Klein said. "Her commitment to the game of basketball is just incredible. It thrills me to have a local player of her caliber as a part of our program. In addition to her leadership, Amy will provide our team with a strong post presence."
While at Reedley, Parrish was also named Central Valley Conference MVP and made the All-Tournament team at the COA Basketball Championships. Parrish averaged a state-best 22.6 ppg to go along with 11.5 rpg, a 48-percent shooting clip from the field and a 34-percent mark from three-point territory. In addition, she was selected to three different All-Tournament teams during the year, including MVP of the San Mateo Tournament. Parrish originally signed with Oregon before leaving the program in December of 2002 due to medical reasons.
"I think this is a perfect fit for both parties," said Reedley College head coach Brian Tessler. "I would expect Amy to make an immediate impact next season both on the floor and with her leadership."
Atherley (Bridgetown, Barbados) and Swearengin (Houston, Texas) were teammates at New Mexico Junior College, leading the Thunderbirds to a 50-11 record over the past two seasons.
Atherley, a 5-10 guard who attended C.N. Foundation High School, averaged 15.7 ppg and 4.6 rpg, in addition to 2.8 steals and 1.9 assists per contest. Atherley is a two-time All-WJCAC (Western Junior College Athletic Conference) selection, earning Honorable Mention accolades her freshman year. She was awarded a berth on the All-Region V Team this year.
The Bulldogs are getting another two-time All-WJCAC first team honoree in Swearengin, a 5-6 point guard. Swearengin, a former all-state selection from Jones High School, was also a two-time All-Region selection during her time at New Mexico Junior College. Last season, she averaged 11.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 7.1 assists per game.
"Toni is tremendous at the No. 3 spot; she is a sound player who has a true passion for the game," said Johnson-Klein. "She will complete our backcourt and should have an immediate impact. Miranda was highly-recruited by several Sweet 16 schools and we came out on top. She has the ability to be one of the best point guards in the WAC and will elevate our program."
"Toni and Miranda have been outstanding for us; they are great kids and mean a lot to our program," said New Mexico Junior College head coach Ara Baten. "Fresno State is really fortunate to have these two student-athletes entering their program."
The addition of Atherley, Parrish and Swearengin increases Fresno State's recruiting class total to seven, adding to a group that includes: 6-2 center Erica Henry (Shreveport, La.), 5-9 guard Kendra Walker-Roche (Brockville, Ontario, Canada), 6-0 forward/center Tiffany Williams (Dayton, Ohio) and 5-8 guard Tierre Wilson (Lawton, Okla).
