Nov. 10, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University women's basketball coach Karen Barefoot officially signed her first two recruits Thursday, as Galaisha Goodhope and LaQuanda Younger signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Lady Monarchs.
"The local area is shining with first class talent and we have achieved part of our recruiting goals to keep that top talent home," Barefoot said.
Goodhope attends Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach which is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation, where she helped lead the team to a state championship last season, earning Second-Team All-State accolades. She is rated the No. 20 point guard by ESPN. Goodhope has been a part of three state championship teams, winning two at Norfolk Christian prior to winning one last year at Princess Anne. Last season for Princess Anne, Goodhope averaged 14 points per game, as well as 4.8 steals, 3.5 assists and shot 33 percent from beyond the arc. Goodhope is a standout in the classroom as well, recording a 4.2 grade point average.
"GG is an explosive player who will flourish in our system. She is the starting point guard on one of the top ranked high school programs in the country. She is a proven winner already, as she has lead her team to three state championship titles," Barefoot said. "She is known for her tenacious defense and her decision making in the open court. I am thrilled to have her dynamic personality and contagious energy on our team. I am certain she will help us on our journey to the top."
Younger comes from Warwick High School in Newport News, where she was a First-Team All-State selection. Younger, a 5-foot-9 guard, was the PD's top scorer for the second straight year at 20.2 points a game. She led the Raiders to a runner-up finish in the regular season and tournament. Younger is a two-time Peninsula Player of the Year and already has scored 1,440 career points. She broke the 40-point mark twice, the second coming against Hampton in the district semifinals. In that game, Younger was a dominant 15-of-27 from the field and 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Like Goodhope, she is also a standout in the classroom, posting a 3.2 GPA
"Q is a versatile scoring threat from anywhere on the court. Not only is she a prolific shooter from behind the arc, but her vision and knack for the boards is impeccable, all complimented by a high basketball IQ," Barefoot said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to coach such a talented, genuine, and giving person in Q. She will be an integral part of our success."
What They're Coaches are Saying:
Galaisha Goodhope:
I believe that ODU has inherited themselves a really court savvy player. Anything you tell this kid shes doing wrong she works hard to get it right.
~Princess Anne High School Head Coach Darnell Dozier
LaQuanda Younger:
"ODU will be getting a tremendous student-athlete in Laquanda Younger."Q" has a very competitive spirit with a delightful approach to winning, which makes a great match with ODU and Coach Barefoot and staff."
Warwick High School Head Coach Vanessa Starks
"Both GG and Q are great kids. They will have a great career at ODU! Both of them did a lot for my program, and I know they will do a lot for ODU's program."
AAU Head Coach Boo Williams