UCLA has locked up several prized high school athletes for many
of its NCAA sports, with more National Letters of Intent on the
way, after the first day of the fall recruit signing period
Wednesday. About half of UCLA’s recruits were expected to
have signed by the end of the day. Announcements in several sports
““ namely baseball, tennis, gymnastics, cross-country and
track and field ““ are expected within the next several days.
The NLI binds an athlete to compete for a university for one year.
Among the top names expected to come to Westwood is Trevor Ariza, a
forward from Westchester High in Los Angeles, who has not
officially submitted his letter, but is expected to do so later in
the week. Ariza is ranked 14th among U.S. prep basketball players
by Rivals.com. “It’s a great marriage that is mutually
beneficial for UCLA and Trevor,” Ariza’s mother, Lola,
told The Sporting News. “A great opportunity was presented
when Evan Burns didn’t qualify ““ a lot of doors were
opened, and Trevor hopes to go in there and make an immediate
impact.” The signing of Sean Phaler, a 6-foot-9-inch forward
from Villa Park High, was made official yesterday. “There
were so many little pros and cons for each school,” said
Phaler, who was also being courted by Indiana and Washington.
“(Head coach Steve) Lavin’s been recruiting me for a
while. I really like his coaching style; I like the motion
offense.”
Women’s basketball Noelle Quinn from
Torrance’s Bishop Montgomery highlights a talented quartet of
players that should make an immediate impact on the women’s
squad next season. One of the top 10 players in the nation
according to recruiting publications, Quinn is a versatile
combination guard who averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds as a
junior last year. With her tremendous court vision and her ability
to deliver in the clutch in high school, Quinn has evoked
comparisons to Magic Johnson. “She watches tapes of him on
ESPN Classic and truly emulates his game,” UCLA head coach
Kathy Olivier said. “She is a huge catch for us.” Quinn
chose UCLA over Stanford. In addition to Quinn, the Bruins have
added a pair of post players who should compete for playing time
next season. Forward Amanda Livingston, who was also being
recruited by USC, Pepperdine and UC Santa Barbara, is an imposing
physical presence under the basket. Center Consuelo Lezcano is a
seasoned player who should bring more of a scoring punch.
Men’s volleyball The men’s
volleyball team may have the best recruiting class in the country,
with outside hitter Steve Klosterman and setter Julio Acevedo
expected to sign this week. “Julio is by far the best setter
in the U.S.,” said Jesus Prieto, the director of the Puerto
Rican volleyball federation, who confirmed Acevedo’s
commitment. “Whoever’s the second best is a million
miles behind.” A member of the Puerto Rican National Team,
Acevedo told Prieto he was coming to UCLA and has been seen wearing
a UCLA volleyball shirt. “His experience of three years in
the men’s league will help him,” Prieto said.
“He’s a good kid and he’ll fight out a starting
spot.”
Women’s volleyball The women’s
volleyball team has signed a class that is nearly as impressive.
According to Student Sports, four of the top 50 seniors in the
nation will wear blue and gold next year, including 6-foot outside
hitter Colby Lyman and 5-foot-11-inch Rachell Johnson. Lyman, the
No. 19 prospect in the nation, is an athletic left-hander and one
of the top hitters in California. Her father, Brad, played football
for UCLA, and brother Chase is a wide receiver at UC Berkeley.
Johnson is rated No. 8 nationally, and has leaping ability
reminiscent of former Bruin Kristee Porter. She has only played
volleyball since her freshman year in high school at Torrey Pines
of San Diego, yet has developed quickly as a player. “With
this class, I think we have people with a great blend of athletic
ability, jumping ability and volleyball skill,” head coach
Andy Banachowski said. “I think that this will turn out to be
one of the best classes we’ve had in several
years.”
Softball While UCLA couldn’t officially
confirm any softball signing, Valencia High announced catcher Jaisa
Creps had signed her letter of intent. Creps led Valencia to a
league championship and a 23-4-2 record. She also played for the OC
Batbusters ““ a club team that featured Lisa Dodd, who has
verbally committed to UCLA, according to spysoftball.com.
Men’s golf The men’s golf team
announced the signings of Peter Campbell and Chris Heintz.
Campbell, from Carlsbad’s La Costa Canyon High, was honored
as the 2002 San Diego Hall of Champions Athlete of the Year.
“Peter is a fairly new player,” UCLA head coach O.D.
Vincent said. “He’s only been playing four years and
has a lot of potential. His upside is astronomical.” Campbell
is Golfweek/Titleist’s No. 26 golfer in the country. Heintz,
from Olinda High in Brea, has finished in the top 10 in several
junior golf tournaments, including a fourth-place finish at the
American Junior Golfers Association Spokane Tournament with a 209
(-8). “(Heintz’s) golf swing is as sound as can
be,” Vincent said. Heintz has worked with former UCLA head
coach Brad Sherfy to improve his game.