May 13, 2005

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Texas State women's basketball coach Suzanne Fox announced Friday the signing of three forwards Hallie Lee, Elyse Wright and Kia Palmer to National Letters of Intent.  Lee and Wright will be transferring to Texas State from junior colleges while Palmer will join the squad as a freshman.

"We are very excited about the addition of Hallie, Elyse and Kia," Fox said.  "Each of these ladies excels both on the court and in the classroom."

Lee played forward at Williamsburg High School in Kansas where she still holds seven statistical records.  During her high school career, she averaged 20 points 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks per game. 

"She has the ability to face the basket, but also the strength and skill to play in the low box," said Fox.  "We feel she will be a key component to our team." 

In Lee's senior campaign, she was named to the Second-Team All-State, First-Team All-League and First-Team All-Area.  Lee played last year at Daytona Beach Community College under head coach Stephanie Smith, helping lead the Lady Falcons to a third-place finish in the Mid-Florida Conference.  She earned a spot on the First-Team All-Conference squad.

"We have high aspirations for Hallie," said Fox.  "I am excited that we will get to work with her for three years." 

Wright will transfer to Texas State from Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz.  At Central Arizona under the guidance of Lin Laursen, Wright helped lead her team to the NJCAA National Championship in 2005.  She was also named to the Dean's List both years at CAC. 

"Elyse has always played on teams that have had enormous success," said Fox.  "She is a worker.  I am always excited to add players like her who have discipline and determination."

Wright, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native, graduated from Widefield High School.  As a sophomore, Wright took her team to a second-place finish in the state tournament and they stayed in the top eight for the remainder of her high school career.  Wright was an All-Conference selection all four years and All-State and Academic All-State as a junior and senior. 

"Her quickness and heady play will definitely help us on the defensive end of the court," Fox said.

Palmer will be joining the Bobcats from Miami, Fla. where she will be graduating from Westminster Christian High School this spring.  This year Palmer was tabbed as one of the state of Florida's Top 50 Seniors and the 2005 Dade County Player of the Year. 

Palmer closed out her high school basketball career under head coach Israel Gonzalez averaging 22.1 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and four blocks per game.  Palmer has been honored by being named to the All-Dade County First-Team in 2002, 2004 and 2005 as well as the All-State Second-Team in 2002 and 2004.

"Kia is definitely one to watch," said Fox.  "We feel she has all the tools to be a great college player.  She is explosive, strong and can finish at the basket with contact.  She will be fun to watch."  

Palmer, Lee, and Wright join earlier signees Lesheria Stevens from Florida A&M University High School (FL) and Ashley Bradford from O.D. Wyatt High School (TX) and fall signees Ashley Leffingwell from Allen High School (TX) and Karen Dennington from DeLeon High School (TX).