SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Head Coach Christy Smith and the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball program announced Thursday morning the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.
 
The Cardinals signing class includes Brooke Bradley, Liz Holter, Olivia Noah, Kandyce Shepard, Kara Speer and Sydnee Wynn.
 

"We believe these six young ladies can have a tremendous impact on our UIW women's basketball program over the next four years," Smith said. "They have shown success on the basketball court, in the classroom and in the community, and we see them doing the same for us. John, Marvin, Betsy and all of our current players did an incredible job recruiting this summer and fall, and we are excited to have Brooke, Liz, Olivia, Kandyce, Kara and Sydnee join our family."



 
A 5'10'' guard out of Dallas, Texas, Brooke Bradley played for Bishop Lynch High School. Bradley averaged 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Friars.
 
"Brooke shows improvement in her game at an incredible rate," Smith said. "She is a strong, tough player who understands the game and can play inside and out. We are excited to watch her grow over the next four years."

 
A 5'9'' guard from Gilbert, Arizona, Liz Holter comes to UIW from Seton Catholic High School. Holter averaged 6.4 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 boards and 2.2 steals per game for the Sentinels.
 
"Liz is exactly what we are looking for in a point guard," Smith said. "She is a winner and leader on and off the court, and understands the game of basketball. Her ability to lead a team will be a huge asset to us!"

 

A 6'1'' forward from Cypress, Texas, Olivia Noah joins the Cardinals out of Cy-Fair High School. Noah averaged 10.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Bobcats.
 
"Olivia caught our eye this summer during AAU," Smith said. "She is able to score inside and out, can guard multiple positions and is very crafty around the basket. Olivia excels in the classroom as well, as she has already been accepted into the UIW Honors Program. We are excited to have her join us!"

 

A 6'3'' post player from Austin, Texas, Kandyce Shepard played for Westwood High School. Shepard averaged 5.5 points and 6.1 boards per game for the Warriors.
 
"Kandyce is a long 6-foot-3 post player that can run the floor and altar shots on the defensive end," Smith said. "She has a soft touch around the basket and we will continue to develop her offensively to stretch her game. Her presence around the basket will be a great asset to our team."
 

A 5'9'' guard from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kara Speer comes to UIW from Metro Christian Academy. Speer averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game for the Patriots.
 
"Kara can score from outside, hit the midrange and get to the rim on offense," Smith said. "She is a tough competitor who understands how to play defense and knows how to win. We are thrilled to have Kara joining us in a Cardinal uniform!"
 

A 6'2'' forward from Mabank, Texas, Sydnee Wynn joins the Cardinals out of Eustace High School. Wynn averaged 14.9 points, 12.3 boards, 3.1 steals, 2.4 assists and 2.4 blocks for the Bulldogs.
 
"Sydnee loves the game of basketball and will bring a lot of passion to team," Smith said. "She can post up big, score from 15 feet and is a tremendous rebounder. We are excited to have her join our program!"
 

Bradley, Holter, Noah, Shepard, Speer and Wynn will join the Cardinals for the 2017-18 season as the team looks to move forward under the leadership of Coach Smith and her experienced staff. This year's signing class will be the first to have an opportunity to reach the Southland Conference Tournament immediately as the program will complete its transition to Division I following the 2016-17 season.
 
UIW will open its 2016-17 campaign on Friday as the squad faces TCU at 8:30 p.m. in Fort Worth.
 


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