BROOKLYN, N.Y. – LIU Brooklyn women's basketball head coach
Stephanie Del Preore has announced the signing of two additional student-athletes to the Blackbirds' incoming recruiting class. Forwards Ella Väätänen and Destoni Willock has signed National Letters of Intent to join fellow newcomers Daisha Davis, Jeydah Johnson, and Tia Montagne as freshmen in the fall of 2017.
Väätänen, a 6-1 forward from Tuusula, Finland & Helsinki Basketball Academy (HBA), brings a wealth of experience to the Blackbirds. She has spent years in Finland's National programs, competing on U15 (2011-12), U16 (2013), U18 (2015) and Senior National (2016) squads. Her HBA team also won a European Youth Basketball League title in 2016.
DEL PREORE ON VÄÄTÄNEN: "Ella brings another dimension to our team and university with her experience on the international stage. Her abilities and skill set will bring us to another level. She has the ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions offensively and defensively. She will fit great in our system."
Willock, a 6-0 forward/center from Toronto, Canada & St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School, spent last season in junior college at Odessa (TX) College. An ESPN three-star recruit and HooptownGTA Fab 48 selection in high school, Willock helped Odessa to a 29-2 record and appearance in the NJCAA Quarterfinals in 2016-17.
DEL PREORE ON WILLOCK: "Destoni brings experience at the college level and will make an immediate impact for us. She is a true team player, and will bring a two-way inside presence that will help us. She comes from a basketball family and really knows what it takes to complete at this level."