Dec. 2, 2005
NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion University head women's basketball coach Wendy Larry has announced the signing of three future Lady Monarchs during the early signing period. Old Dominion will welcome 6-1 post player Jessica Canady (Williamsburg, Va./Jamestown), 5-11 guard Vicki Collier (Upper Marlboro, Md.), and 6-3 post player Sharon Houston (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville) to the court for the 2006-07 season.
"We are looking forward to Jessica, Vicki, and Sharon complimenting our current players on our roster," said Larry.
Canady is a three-time first team All-District, first team All-Daily Press, and first team All-Virginia Gazette honoree, who has helped Jamestown to a 73-9 record during her three seasons. With her in the line-up, Canday's Jamestown teams have won the Bay Rivers District Regular Season and Tournament Championship each season and in 2004 won the region, reaching the state quarterfinals. Additionally, her scholastic team has gone 60-1 versus district competition. She is currently Jamestown's all-time (girls or boys) leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker with over 1,400 points and 750 rebounds in three years. As a junior she led Jamestown to a 24-3 overall record averaging 22.4 points and 11 rebounds, earning first team All-State from The Virginia High School Coaches Association (VHSCA), in addition to first team All-Region I and 2nd Team All-State from the Associated Press. During her career she has been named to the Naples Daily News Holiday Shoot-Out and Greene County Ladies Classic All-Tournament Teams.
"Jessica is a consistent scorer with an arsenal of offensive skills," commented Larry. "She is a deceptive defensive player for her size. Jessica is also a great interior passer."
Collier averaged 21.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a junior at Largo High School and will suit up for Riverdale Baptist for her senior campaign. Last season she led the conference in scoring and earned MVP of the Largo's First Christmas Tournament after netting 31 points and hauling in 19 rebounds in the championship game. As a sophomore, Collier was named Honorable Mention All-Met by the Washington Post, second team All-Gazette & PG Journal, and first team All-League. Collier has played seven years of AAU Basketball and has participated at the 15 & Under AAU National Champion Competition, the Deep South Classic, the Addias Classic, and the Junior Nationals. In additional to her success on the court, Collier has also found it with Largo's track and volleyball teams. She was a member of the 4A State Track Champions capturing championships in the regional and state high jump. Collier was also named Most Valuable Player of her volleyball team.
"Vicki is a tremendous athlete and an excellent slasher," added Larry. "She'll bring a great deal of enthusiasm for defensive play."
Houston, a two-time Most Valuable Player, averaged 22.1 points, 13.2 rebound, and 5.1 blocks per game as a first team All-Area sophomore at Lew Wallace. She has since transferred to Merrillville High School, where she sat out last season, but returns to the court this year as one of the top seven seniors in the state according to Regionroundball.com. Houston has also been active in AAU ball playing with her team, "The Family," which went 40-1 during the summer of 2005.
"Sharon is an instinctive rebounder and has great timing when blocking shots," Larry stated. "She is tremendous in transition offensively and defensively."
The Old Dominion women's basketball team has won an NCAA record 14 straight Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) titles, reached 22 NCAA Tournaments, and captured three national titles (1979, 1980 - AIAW, 1985- NCAA). The Lady Monarchs of 2005-06 take to the court this season against four top 10 teams, seven NCAA squads, and two WNIT participants from a year ago.