Women's basketball announced today five student-athletes have all signed National Letters of Intent. Grace Hales (Cromwell, Ind./Westview), Maya Meredith (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral), Caitlin Morrison (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South), Marlee Profitt (Medina, Ohio/Highland), and Addison Stoller (Cissna Park, Ill./Cissna Park) will join the Crusader program as freshmen for the 2016-17 season.

"Our goal for this 2016 class was to heavily recruit and keep talented Indiana players close to home. We needed to add players with size, speed, and strength to complement the players on our current roster. Four of the five recruits who signed NLIs with us are at least six feet tall and all of them bring a warrior mentality and a physical toughness that will enable them to compete with the best players in our league from day one," Dorow said.

Hales, a 6'0'' guard, averaged 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season for the Warriors. The Indiana native has shot 47% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line for her career. A four-year letterwinner, Hales has led Westview to three consecutive sectional championships. Last year, she was named Second Team All-State. Hales was also a standout with volleyball and track (long jump), earning All-Area accolades all four years in each. Hales is a four-year High Honor Roll student.

Dorow on Hales: "Standing over six feet tall, she is a proven perimeter scorer who also has the frame and athletic ability to rebound and score around the rim. Grace has the potential to be one of the greatest pure shooters in Valpo history. She was the first prospect in this class to commit to our program and her enthusiasm has really helped us bring the 2016 class together."

Meredith, a 5'7'' guard, has been a top scorer for the Fighting Irish since her sophomore season. She's averaging 17.1 PPG and 2.8 steals per contest through eight games this season after posting 15.4 and 6.7 assists per game as a junior. Meredith eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for her Cathedral High School career this past November. She's on track for her fourth consecutive All-City selection after garnering All-State Underclassman Honorable Mention honors during her freshman and sophomore seasons. 

Dorow on Meredith: "Maya is a dynamic offensive player with the ability to create her own shot at any time. She is a playmaker --- whether it be her own scoring or her vision to find and get the open teammate an easy basket.  We are proud to have Maya joining the Valpo family, as we are focused on keeping the top Indiana players 'home'."

Morrison, a 6'1'' guard, is in the midst of her third straight Central Suburban League All-Conference season. She led the Titans in rebounding a season ago with eight boards per game while scoring 12.0 points per contest. Morrison has guided Glenbrook South to a 9-2 record to date. Morrison's father, Scott, played for the Valparaiso men's basketball team in the early 90's. 

Dorow on Morrison: "Caitlin is one of the most versatile players we have ever seen. Caitlin is that player that does a little bit of everything. She can hit the deep three or explode to the rim. She can defend the wing or in the post. She tracks the ball off the glass and pursues it similar to the best rebounders in the game.  Both parents are Valpo graduates and we are excited that Caitlin is staying close to home to compete for the university that is so special to their family."

Profitt, a 6'1'' power forward, was the 38th ranked player out of the state of Ohio. She averaged 17.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 steals last season for Highland High School. Profitt also led Medina County in blocked shots during her sophomore and junior seasons en route to Central Suburban League All-Conference selections those years. Last season, she set the Highland record for field goal percentage at 54.7%.

Dorow on Profitt: "From the first time I saw Marlee, I loved her competitive drive. Marlee not only works hard, but utilizes her athletic ability to rebound out of her area and make plays while everyone else is watching. Marlee's ability to play both inside and out will create tough matchups against opponents."

Stoller amassed 1,245 points (3rd in school history) and 806 rebounds (most in school history) through her first three seasons at Cissna Park. This season, she's averaging 18 points and 4.7 assists per game after registering 11.5 PPG and 5.0 RPG in 2014-15. A two-year captain, Stoller received Second Team Associated Press All-State accolades following her sophomore and junior campaigns. The Timberwolves have enjoyed a 51-12 record the last two seasons with Stoller leading the charge. In the classroom, Stoller is a three-time High Honor Roll student.

Dorow on Stoller: "Addy is a six foot, strong, athletic competitor. Unlike most perimeter players, Addy loves to bulldoze her way to the rim and get her three points the old-fashioned way. She is at her best in transition and is also a very determined rebounder and defender. Addison's skills are unique and we are eager to add this new dimension to our Valpo program."