University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Letters Of Intent Thru Spring 2000
May 26, 2000 | Bruin Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL:
Robert (T.J.) Cummings, 6-9 forward from Homewood, IL (Homewood-Flossmore HS). T.J. was rated as one of the top power forwards in the nation. Son of Golden State Warriors and former DePaul standout Terry Cummings.
*Josiah Pitts-Johnson, 6-8 forward from Los Angeles, CA (Montclair Prep HS). An All-CIF selection, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the floor. He is the son of former UCLA great Marques Johnson. Has a 3.8 grade-point average.
*Ryan Walcott, 6-2 guard from Phoenix, AZ (Shadow Mountain HS). An all-state point guard, he is expected to have an impact as a freshman. He averaged 16 ppg and 5 apg and should be the quickest player on the UCLA team.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL:
*Shalada Allen, 6-2 forward-center from Brookston, TX (Kilgore College). An All-Area JC player who will help UCLA's inside game. She averaged 14 points and eight rebounds a game.
*Malika Leatham, 6-2 forward-center from Houston, TX (Blinn College). An All-Area JC player who is a top inside defender and rebounder. She averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game.
*Stacy Robertson, 6-0 forward from Cayton, TX (Kilgore College). A strong perimeter player who made the All-District team. Led her team in three-point shooting with 50 3-pointers during the season. She averaged 14 points and six rebounds a game while shooting 54% overall from the field.
*Jamila Veasley, 6-1 forward from Cerritos, CA (Valley Christian HS). A CIF 4-AA Player of the Year and All-Los Angeles Times and Long Beach Press-Telegram District Selection. Her sister Aisha played basketball from 1995-98 for Kathy Olivier. She averaged 14 points and eight rebounds per game.
BASEBALL:
*Joshua Arhart, catcher from Tustin, CA (Saddleback JC). He will compete for a starting job next year with the Major League signings of current catchers Forrest Johnson and Ryan Hammill. Arhart was an all-league selection at Foothill HS and was a JC teammate of incoming pitcher Ryan Cheo.
Shaun Boyd, infielder from Pala, CA (Vista HS). Regarded as one of the top infielders in California. An outstanding hitter and fielder who could compete for the starting second base job. An All-CIF selection who played in the Area Code Games. TURNED PRO
Ryan Cheo, left-handed pitcher from Mission Viejo, CA (Saddleback JC). One of the top junior college pitchers in Southern California, he figures to provide depth in the UCLA bullpen next year.
Chris Cordeiro, 6-3 right-handed pitcher from Thousand Oaks, CA (Thousand Oaks HS). Chris is considered one of the top pitchers in the State. A right-hander who was an All-CIF selection and pitched his summer team to the state legion finals.
Mike Davern, 6-4 right-handed pitcher from Brea, CA (Brea-Olinda HS). Mike is one of the hardest throwers in the state who pitched well last summer in the Area Code games. An honor student and a USA Today Pre-season Top 25 selection.
Ben Francisco, outfielder from Anaheim, CA (Cypress JC). He has excellent speed and arm and will provide valuable depth because of his experience in outfield.
Preston Griffin, shortstop from Long Beach, CA (Millikan HS). Regarded as the No. 1 shortstop prospect on the West Coast and was the standout at his position in the Area Code Games. Outstanding hitter and fielder who will likely start as a freshman.
*Rashad Parker, middle infielder from Westchester, CA (Weschester HS). An all-league player who can be a shortstop or second baseman.
*Ryan Rasmussen, Second Baseman-Outfielder from Chino Hills, CA (Riverside CC). A top junior college hitter and a strong fielder, he figures to make an impact immediately in the UCLA program in either the infield or outfield. He was an all-league JC selection.
*Doug Slaten, Left-handed pitcher from Venice, CA (Pierce JC). Perhaps the top left-handed JC pitcher in the state, he turned down a major offer from Baltimore to sign with UCLA. Slaten pitched Pierce into the state playoffs.
Mike Stodolka, 6-2 left-handed pitcher and first baseman from Corona, CA (Centennial HS). Perhaps the most versatile player at the Area Code Games. Figures to be starting pitcher as a freshman but is also an excellent first baseman and power hitter. USA Today Pre-season top 25. TURNED PRO
Matt Thayer, outfielder from Woodland Hills, CA (Harvard-Westlake HS). One of the top high school outfielders in the state with tremendous speed and an excellent arm.
Matt Wheatland, 6-5 right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Poway, CA (Rancho Bernardo HS). Considered as perhaps the top high school pitcher in the West and rated as the No. 10 player for next June's draft by Baseball America. Throws the ball in the 90s and will be an impact player should he attend college. Recorded an 8-1 record last year, plus hit .358 with 7 home runs and 21 RBIs. USA Today pre-season top 25. TURNED PRO
MEN'S GOLF:
Steven Conway, from Dove Canyon, CA (Santa Margarita HS). Had an excellent summer on the AJGA circuit with several Top 10 finishes. A strong student who provides valuable depth in the UCLA program.
John Merrick, from Long Beach, CA (Long Beach Wilson HS). One of the top five golfers on the West Coast this year. A 3.9 student who will have an excellent shot at playing in UCLA's Top 5 next year. Won the league championship last year and shot 66 for one round on a par 72 course.
Roy Moon, from Simi Valley, CA (Royal HS). League champion, who has won several local tournaments. Played well in both the CIF and State championships last spring. Shot 68 in one round (par 72) at leagues.
WOMEN'S GOLF:
*Anna Eva Andersson, from Ystad, Sweden. One of the top European junior players with numerous rounds where she shot in the 60's. Has won many local tournaments and figures to be an impact player in the UCLA program with her international experience.
Krystal Shearer, from Northridge, CA (Alemany HS). One of the top golfers in the state of California who has won over 25 junior tournaments in her career. Co-champion at the 1998 CIF Championships. Plays on the boys' team at her high school.
Gina Umeck, from Redlands, CA (East Valley HS). Played for her father in high school and has won many events. Finished first at the 1997 CIF Championships as a sophomore. Had several Top 10 finishes on the AJGA Circuit during the summer.
WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS:
Jeanette Antolin, from Huntington Beach, CA (Marina HS). Has been a member of the USA National Team for the past five years and competed at the recent World Championships in China. 1999 Pan-American Games silver medalist. 2000 Olympic hopeful.
Jamie Dantzscher, from Palmdale, CA (San Dimas HS). Has been a member of the USA National Team for six years and competed at the recent World Championships in China. Won a gold medal on bars at the 1999 USA Championships. Silver medalist at the 1999 Pan American Games. 2000 Olympic hopeful.
Yvonne Tousek, from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada (Southwood Secondary School). Canada's top gymnast who was best from her country at the recent World Championships in China. Was a 1996 Olympian and has competed now in two World Championships. Won gold medals on bars and floor at the 1999 Pan American Games. Leading candidate for 2000 Olympic Team and is the fifth Canadian champion to sign at UCLA.
Alyssa Beckerman, from Cincinnati, OH (Wyoming, HS). One of the top five gymnasts in the United States who signed last year at UCLA but will start college after the 2000 Olympic Games. Three-year member of the USA National Team. Made the 1999 World Championship team but did not compete due to a wrist injury. Was fourth in the all-around at the 1999 USA Championships.
Kristen Maloney, from Pen Argyl, PA (Pen Argyl HS). Two-time USA national all-around champion and a leading candidate for the 2000 Olympic Team. Signed last year at UCLA and will enter college after the Olympic Games. Gold medalist on beam at the 1998 Goodwill Games. A seven-year USA National Team member, she recently competed for the USA at the World Championships.
MEN'S SOCCER:
Nelson Akwari, defender from Houston, TX (Strake Jesuits College Prep). Member of the USA U-20 National Team. Co-captain of the USA U-17 National Team that finished a country-best fourth last fall at the World Youth Championships. Parade All-American and the 1999 NSCAA Boys' Soccer Player of the Year. Will attend college over starting a professional career.
John Carson, forward from Bakersfield, CA (East Bakersfield HS). All-CIF selection and top all-around player in his area. Outstanding student.
Delvin Countess, goalkeeper from Sacramento, CA (Bella Vista HS). Parade All-American who is the starting goalkeeper on the USA U-20 National Team. Also the starting keeper for the USA U-17 National Team that finished a country-best fourth last fall at the World Youth Championships.
Adolfo Gregorio, midfielder from Hilmar, CA (Hilmar HS). Two-time NSCAA Youth All-American and a 1999 Parade All-American. Member of the USA U-20 National Team who had two assists for the USA U-17 Team when it beat Argentina, 4-3 in Buenos Aires in 1999.
Leonard Griffin, Jr., defender from Littlerock, CA (Littlerock HS). All-CIF selection who was a member of the USA U-16 Team and is part of the USA U-20 National Team Pool.
Anthony Lawson, Jr., defender from Palmdale, CA (Quartz Hill HS). All-CIF player who was a member of the USA U-17 Team Pool.
Ty Maurin, midfielder from Chino, CA (Don Lugo HS). Very fast All-CIF player who provides a left-footed flank for the Bruins.
Cliff McKinley, forward from Fountain Valley, CA (Fountain Valley HS). Member of the USA U-20 National Team pool. One of the top scorers in the CIF this year and a player who has the potential to be a major college scorer.
Matt Taylor, forward from Irvine, CA (Irvine HS). Member of the USA U-20 National Team pool. All-CIF player who is considered as perhaps the top all-around player in Orange County. Known for his key goal scoring.
Alexander Yi, defender from Easton, MD (Bolletieri Academy). Should be a key defensive starter for USA U-20 National Team after being the starting sweeper for the USA U-17 National Team. Two-time NSCAA Youth All-American and Parade All-American.
WOMEN'S SOCCER:
Victoria Bloom, forward-midfielder from Orange, CA (El Modena HS). Two-time All-CIF selection who is one of the fastest players in Southern California. Will likely have to redshirt this fall following a February injury in the USA Jr. Camp that forced her to have ACL knee surgery.
Lindsay Greco, forward-midfielder from Mission Viejo, CA (Capistrano Valley HS). Two-time All-CIF selection who had an outstanding senior season. Helped her team to four CIF berths by being one of the leading scorers. Plays for the Southern California Blues club team.
Jaclyn Harwood, goalkeeper from Danville, CA (Monte Vista HS). An All-CIF selection who can compete for playing time as a freshman. Regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the state.
Kathryn Lee, defender from Stockton, CA (Lincoln HS). Top player in her area and an All-CIF selection. Member of the USA U-16 National Team. Could start immediately in the back.
Michelle Mangiardi, forward-midfielder from Fremont, CA (San Jose Mission HS). Gifted player who was a two-time All-CIF selection. A versatile player who had major knee surgery in the spring.
*Nandi Pryce, defender from Casselberry, FL (Lake Howell HS). One of the nation's two top seniors and UCLA's second first-team Parade All-American to commit. Started two matches for the USA National Team and is also a starter for the USA U-21 team.
Jessica Stamp, central midfielder from Houston, TX (Klein HS). High School All-American who was a standout on the USA U-16 National Team. Coming off a knee injury and will make an impact if healthy.
Sarah-Gayle Swanson, forward from Denver, CO (J.K. Mullen Chrstian Brothers' College Prep). UCLA's first first-team Parade All-American. Was a member of the USA U-16 National Team and is now on the USA U-18 National Team. Helped the Colorado Rush to the Under-17 National Club Championship last summer.
WOMEN'S SOFTBALL:
Keira Goerl, pitcher from Moreno Valley, CA (Valley View HS). No. 1 pitcher in the nation who pitched her team to the CIF title last year. Member of the USA Jr. National Team. Allowed only one run in high school last year.
Stephanie Ramos , outfielder from Elk Grove, CA (Elk Grove HS). Rated the No. 1 outfielder in the nation. An impact hitter who is also a member of the USA Jr. National Team. Dominated play with hitting and fielding in the Sacramento area.
Claire Sua, pitcher-infielder from Cooper City, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas HS). Plays both first base and pitcher. Sister of UCLA Track & Field NCAA champion Seilala Sua. Considered the No. 1 prospect in the South and probably the top utility player in the nation.
*Marcel Torres, pitcher-infielder from Chino, CA (Diamond Bar HS). Regarded as perhaps the most versatile player in the nation. Top pitcher and hitter who reminds the UCLA coaches of former Bruin great Lisa Fernandez because she can be in the field for every inning of every game. All-CIF selection.
WOMEN'S SWIMMING
Cathy Coler, IM specialist from Pleasanton, CA (Amador Valley HS). Has top marks in both the 200 and 400 IM events and will provide valuable depth in these events for team.
*Aphrodite Daphnis, freestyle/breaststroke/IM events from Sunnyvale, CA (Homestead HS). One of the top freestylers in the state. Has top marks in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle events. Will be invaluable on relays.
Julie Madden, distance freestyle from Canton, OH (The Hawken School). Can swim from 200 meters to 1650 meters in the freestyle. Provides depth in UCLA's need events.
*Sara Platzer, sprint freestyler from Lakewood, WA (Lakes HS). One of the Top 15 recruits in the nation this year and will be the person to help replace four-time All-American Keiko Price in the short races and relays. State champion in both sprint events.
*Kristen Tinney, freestyle events from Ann Arbor, MI (Ann Arbor Huron HS). Will provide depth in the sprints from the 100 to 1650 freestyle. Has done well in the Michigan State meets each year.
*Katie Winkelhaus, backstroker from Ann Arbor, MI (Ann Arbor Pioneer HS). Will provide depth in both backstroke events and on relays. Top State scorer.
Brooke Winkler, IM/breaststroke from Los Altos, CA (St. Francis HS). One of the top recruits in California. Has potential to be NCAA qualifier as a freshman.
*Lindsay Wolf, distance freestyle from Acton, MA (Acton-Borborough HS). Will provide excellent depth in the long distance events. A national qualifier in both the 500 and 1650 freestyle events.
WOMEN'S DIVING:
*Michelle Brown, from Laguna Niguel, CA (Dana Hills HS). Strong junior diver who has placed in both regional and national competition on the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform events. Has finished in the Top 5 at the CIF Championships.
*Kasey Reinhard, from La Ca?ada, CA (Crescenta Valley HS). Finished third at the recent CIF championships. Strong age group competitor who will provide depth to the program in all three events.
WOMEN'S TENNIS:
Lauren Fisher, from Pittsburgh, PA (Woodland Hills HS). Had a fine summer on the 18's circuit. Honor student who could battle for a spot near the top of UCLA's lineup next year.
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD:
*Jessica Cosby, throws events from Mission Hills, CA (Cleveland HS). City champion in the shot put and has thrown over 48 feet this year after coming back from knee surgery. Also played basketball but will concentrate on track & field in college.
Valerie Flores, distance runner from San Pedro, CA (San Pedro HS). Top distance runner in the LA City. Champion in both track & field and cross country. Had one of the top cross country marks at Mt. Sac this year.
*Nicole Gaskins, 400 meters from Diamond Bar, CA (Diamond Bar HS). Honor student who was in the Top 5 in both the State and CIF meets at 400 meters. She has run 54.36 with potential to run in the 53's this year.
Sheena Johnson, sprints/hurdles/jumps, from Dale City, VA (Gar-Field HS). Perhaps the top all-around recruit in the nation in that she can compete in all sprint, hurdle and jump events. Outstanding student.
Adia McKinnon, sprinter from Flossmore, IL (Homewood-Flossmoor HS). One of the top sprinters in the Midwest and also a 4.0 student. Will help UCLA primarily in the 200 and 400 meters.
Hasani Roseby, sprint/hurdles from Monterey, CA (Monterey HS). State champion in the sprint and hurdles and also a top long jumper. Won the 100m, 200m, 100 hurdles and long jump at the Northern California Sectional Meet. Regarded as the No. 1 sprinter this year on the West Coast.
Lara Saye, throw events from Henderson, NV (Silverado HS). Has outstanding potential in the throws events. Has thrown 41 feet in the shot put and 156 feet in the discus. Nevada State champ in the discus.
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD:
Juaune Armon, long and triple jump from San Jose, CA (Arch Bishop Mitty HS). No. 1 jumper in Northern California. Went over 24 feet in the long jump and 46 feet in the triple jump last year as a junior.
*Nathan Chandler, 800 meter runner from Gardena, CA (Serra HS). State meet qualifier who ran a leg on the winning state mile relay team. He has run a 1:54.9 and is a teammate of sprinter Warren Rodgers.
*Rodney Diggs, 400 meter runner from Los Angeles, CA (Loyola HS). A State meet qualifier in 400 meters who has run 48.9. He will help with UCLA's mile relay team next year.
Anthony Golston, sprints and hurdles from San Diego, CA (Pt. Loma HS). CIF Champion in San Diego County in the hurdle events and did well at the State meet.
*Shane Hackett, pole vaulter from Sun Valley, CA (Verdugo Hills HS). City champion in the pole vault and has gone over 16 feet this year to rank in the Top 5 in the nation.
*Stephen Hayes, sprinter from Spring Valley, CA (University City HS). San Diego sprint champion who will provide valuable depth to the UCLA program.
Oliver Jackson II, long and triple jump from Simi Valley, CA (Royal HS). Considered as the top long jumper in the State. Went 24-8 as a junior. Has potential to be a college scorer as freshman.
Trevor Jones, sprints/hurdles from Newport Beach, CA (Newport Harbor HS). Will run both 400 hurdles and 400 meters in college. Potential CIF scorer in the 300 hurdles and 400 meters. Has run 48.0 for 400 meters.
*Yoo Kim, Pole Vaulter from Korea who attends prep school in Arkansas. Has cleared 16'8" in the pole vault and has the potential to qualify for NCAA's as a freshman.
*Michael Lipscomb, sprinter from West Covina, CA (Mt. Sac CC). Helped his team to the State title by scoring in both the 100 and 200 meters and running on the 400 meter relay team. He has run 10.40 in the 100m and 21.03 in the 200m.
Anthony Ortiz, long and triple jump from La Mesa, CA (Helix HS). No. 1 jumper in San Diego County. Went over 48 feet as a junior in the triple jump and has also long jumped over 22 feet.
*Jon Rankin, distance runner from San Diego, CA (Monte Vista HS). One of the top 1600 m runners in the State who has run 4:10.08 this year. Runner-up at the Arcadia meet at 1600 meters...
Warren Rogers, sprinter from Los Angeles, CA (Serra HS). Perhaps the best high school sprinter in the nation who is not going to play football. Will give up football to concentrate 100% on track & field in college. CIF Finalist in 100 and 200 meters.
*Christopher Staton, high jumper from San Diego, CA (Patrick Henry HS). Has cleared 6-10 this year and could be UCLA's No. 1 jumper as a freshman.
*Denye Versher, 400 meter runner from Berkeley, CA (St. Mary's HS). Honor student who was a State qualifier at 400 meters and also ran on mile relay team in the State meet finals. Has run 48.35.
MEN'S VOLLEYBALL:
*Jonathan Acosta, 6-3 outside hitter from San Juan, Puerto Rico. High School All-American and top junior player in his country. Has a chance to make a contribution as freshman to the Bruin program. Member of the USA Junior Team. Helped club team to national title last summer.
Sahael Almuallem, 6-8 middle blocker from Quartz Hill, CA (Quartz Hill HS). Has the potential to develop into a top college player. Had an excellent junior season in the middle after being all-league in high school.
Gray Garrett, 6-7 outside hitter from San Clemente, CA (San Clemente HS). One of the top power hitters in the high school class. Had a very fine club season after having a standout junior year in high school.
Paul Jocas, 6-0 libero from Moorpark, CA (Chaminade HS). Recruited for the new backcourt specialist position in men's college volleyball because he is an outstanding passer and defensive player.
Paul Johnson, 6-8 middle blocker from Mission Viejo, CA (Capistrano Valley HS). Has potential to develop into a top college blocker. Had a fine club season after a good junior year of high school.
Allan Mount, 6-5 hitter/setter from Goleta, CA (Dos Pueblos HS). Strong high school player who will be converted to a setter in college. His brother Cameron is on the team after returning from a two-year Mormon mission. Allan may do the same thing, which he will decide later.
*Brennan Prahler, 6-6 middle blocker from Honolulu, HI (Punahou School). All-state selection who helped team to the State title. Has made major improvements over the past year and has a bright future in college.
Parker Smith, 6-4 outside hitter from Honolulu, HI (Punahou School). Regarded as the No. 1 outside hitter in the country. Started this summer for the USA Junior National Team that won a major international tournament. Hawaii Player of the Year. His father Ken is the water polo coach at the high school and played water polo for UCLA.
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL:
Krystal McFarland, 5-9 setter from Ventura, CA (Buena HS). All-CIF selection, high school All-American who trained with USA Junior program last summer in Colorado Springs. Can play multiple positions.
Cira Wright, 6-0 middle blocker from La Palma, CA (Kennedy HS). All-CIF selection who is three-time all-league pick and a 4.0 student. Excellent all-around athlete.
WOMEN'S WATER POLO:
Thalia Munro, driver from Santa Barbara, CA (Santa Barbara HS). One of the top two recruits in the nation. Member of the USA Junior National Team and has done well in international competition. Honor student who will be an impact freshman for team.
Natalie Golda, driver from La Habra, CA (Rosary HS). One of the top two recruits in the nation. Member of the USA Junior National Team and a candidate for the 2000 Olympic Team.
Kristyn Pulver, driver from Villa Park, CA (Villa Park HS). Regarded as one of the top five players in the nation. All-CIF selection who has dominated high school water polo with her scoring ability.
MEN'S WATER POLO:
*Joe Axelrad, goalkeeper from Studio City, CA (Harvard-Westlake HS). All-CIF keeper who was regarded as one of the top two keepers in the nation last year. An honor student who has represented the USA Jr. Team internationally.
Albert Garcia, driver from Long Beach, CA (Wilson HS). Two-time All-CIF selection who helped his team to two straight CIF titles and the mythical national high school championship.
* Spring signees
