April 13, 2005

The University of Texas-Pan American head women's basketball coach DeAnn Craft announced on Wednesday (Apr. 13) that Whitney Coulson, one of the top 150 post players in the country according to Adidas All-Star Girls Report, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will begin playing for the Lady Broncs during the 2005-06 academic year.

"Our record-setting season just became historic with the signing of Whitney Coulson," said Craft. "We identified several key players in the early period to build our program around, and the last one didn't say `Yes' until Apr. 13, 2005 so the momentum now surrounding our program his unmatched. Whitney possesses the size, athleticism and work ethic to become a program changer."

"I am definitely very excited to play at UTPA next year. I knew that when I found a school that felt right that I would know it, and that's exactly what happened here. I'm looking forward to being a part of a team that can make history next season," added Coulson.

A product of Bloomfield Hills Lanser High School, Coulson was named one of the top 100 women's basketball players in Michigan in 2004. She was an all-area, all-district and All-Oakland Athletics Association selection as a senior. A 6-5 center, Coulson holds her prep school's career, single-season and single-game record for blocked shots. She was a member of AAU's Michigan Monarchs, which captured the 2004 U-17 Dayton National Championship.

"The Michigan Monarch AAU Organization has produced several hi-level NCAA players, and we believe Whitney will be one of them. Her ability to alter shots, disrupt offenses, score in the paint and run the floor makes her an impact sign for us. Our program is honored to have her join us," stated the Lady Broncs' head coach.

An all-around tremendous athlete, the newly-signed Lady Bronc earned seven letters - four in basketball and three in volleyball - during her high school career. She was part of a Bloomfield Hills' volleyball team that won back-to-back league championships. Coulson was also a member of the Michigan Mavericks (AAU), which captured the 2004 Michigan State Volleyball Championship.

Coulson chose UTPA over the University of Massachusetts, Vermont, Pepperdine, Alabama State and Western Michigan.

UTPA Sports Information