University of Minnesota Athletics
OLDFIELD SIGNS THREE MINNESOTANS TO FIRST RECRUITING CLASS
11/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oldfield was elated after signing her first recruiting class as the Golden Gophers head coach. "We must keep the best players in this state at home," said Oldfield. "This was a goal of mine when I accepted this position and I believe we were successful in accomplishing that goal with the recruiting class of Schonrock, Bolder and Collison. We are extremely excited about the future of our program."
Schonrock, a 5-6 point guard, is the most highly touted Golden Gopher recruit in recent memory. The senior at Blue Earth Area High School is ranked No. 37 among the top 100 seniors by the Women's Basketball Journal publication.
"Shannon (Schonrock) was the first player to commit this summer and we were ecstatic with her decision," states Oldfield. "Shannon is a pure point guard with the ability to distribute the ball and score when needed. I expect her to come in next year and make an immediate impact on our program."
Schonrock led the state of Minnesota in scoring as a junior, averaging 27.2 points per game. She earned first-team Associated Press All-State honors in 2000-01, after capturing second-team all-state accord as a sophomore. Schonrock has played varsity basketball since eighth grade, earning All-South Central Conference honors each season. Schonrock enters her final season at Blue Earth Area with 1,968 career points.
"I'm really excited to be part of turning the Minnesota program around," said Schonrock. "The coaching staff is awesome. After I met them, I knew I wanted to go to Minnesota."
Bolden, from Marshall High School, is a versatile 5-11 player who can play either on the perimeter or at the post. Bolden was named the AP Co-Player of the Year for Minnesota Class AA, after leading her Tiger squad to the state title. The first-team all-state pick averaged 21 points and 8 rebounds a game as a junior and enters her senior season with 1,493 career points. She earned AAU All-American honors over the summer.
"Shannon (Bolden) is a tremendous player with untapped potential." said Oldfield. "She will contribute in several positions. Her ability to play on the perimeter, as well as, bang in the post will give her an opportunity to play significant minutes from day one of her collegiate career."
"I'm excited to be part of the rebuilding process and I know the program has the potential to excel," said Bolden. "It will be a great experience to stay home and play in front of all of my family and friends."
Collison, a 6-2 post player from Eden Prairie High School, completes the Golden Gophers' first recruiting class under Oldfield. A two-time All-Lake Conference first-team selection, Collison averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a junior.
"Christina was the final piece to a great recruiting year," said Oldfield. "Christina will give us another post player that we desperately need. She is a tough post player, who is not afraid to mix it up down low, yet has only scratched the surface of her ability. Her best years are definitely ahead of her."
"I'm looking forward to helping rebuild the program and compete in the Big Ten," said Collison. "I don't know what the future will hold, but I know I will do what I do best, and that is work hard every day."
Minnesota opens the 2001-02 season this weekend (Nov. 17-18), when the Golden Gophers play Butler in the Golden Gopher Basketball Classic.
