Regis University Women's Basketball Adds Eight Players to Roster for 2009-10 Season

Denver, Colo.: After competing in the RMAC Tournament for the 11th straight year, the Rangers are adding eight new players for the 2009-10 season. Meagan Nickell, Erin O’Toole, Tae’lor Purdy, Salina Kuiper, Kara Larson, Kellie Deremo, Meghan Hollenga, and Kaitie Vader will all be joining Regis’ squad next season.

Guard Meagan Nickell joins the Rangers from the University of Central Arkansas. Prior to attending UCA, Nickell attended Jenks High School in Tulsa, Okla. where she was a three-time letterwinner and graduating in 2007.

“Meagan is a versatile player that we can play either in the guard or forward spot,” says Coach Raunig. “She is extremely athletic and she has three years of eligibility remaining. Look for her to score from 3-point land.”

Coming to Regis from the University of Denver is Salina Kuiper. Kuiper played two years for the Pioneers and saw action in 25 games. Kuiper, a native of The Netherlands, played basketball and attended Brock High School in Texas her senior year.

“We were so pleased when Salina told us she wanted to come to Regis. She will bring a new dimension to our line-up....height! At 6-5 she will tower over most of her opponents,” says Raunig. She will have the ability to alter shots and keep opponents away from the basket.”

“Both [Megan and Salina] come from Division I programs. That experience should benefit our program in several ways,” says Raunig. “We look for big things from both of them.”

Coming to join the Rangers as a guard/forward is Erin O’Toole. O’Toole attended Heritage High School in Littleton, Colo. where she led her team to a Sweet 16 appearance during her junior year and an Elite Eight appearance her senior year. In her time at Heritage HS, O’Toole was named to the Hoopla All-Tournament Team and received all-conference honors.

Of O’Toole, Coach Raunig offers “Erin is a competitor and floor leader. We look forward to her bringing her work ethic and toughness to our program. Her size and strength will help our team with defense and rebounding.”

Tae’lor Purdy signed with Regis after leading the state in scoring (749 points) and rebounding (385 rebounds ) during 2008-09 at Deer Trail High School in Deer Trail, Colo. During her junior season, Purdy was named First Team All-State by the Rocky Mountain News. In 2008-09, she received numerous awards which include being named First Team All-State by the Denver Post, coloradogirlsbasketballreport.com 1A Player of the Year, and being named to the All Offense and Defense Teams. In addition, she was named Colorado Preps First Team All-State, was a McDonald’s All-American Nominee, and participated in “The Show” All-State Game.

“Tae'lor is a great competitor with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor,” says Raunig. “She finished her senior year as leading scorer in the state and scored a whole lot of points in her high school career. It won't be any different at Regis.”

Kara Larson comes to Denver from Colony High School in Palmer, Alaska where she helped lead her team to Regional Championships, a State Championship, and State Runner Up in 2009. She earned First Team All-Region honors in 2009 and All-State Honorable Mention honors in 2008 and 2009.

“Kara is an undersized post player at 5-10 but she plays much taller,” says Raunig. “She has a high release and moves very well in and around the lane. Her athleticism and shooting touch are a perfect match for our system.”

Kaitie Vader joins the Rangers from Gunnison High School (CO). During her time at Gunnison, Vader’s team snagged District and Regional Championships and attended the Great 8. She received all-conference honors and was named to the All-State Team in 2008 and 2009.

“Kaitie is an experienced point guard and fiery competitor,” noted Raunig. “She will help add depth to our guard position.”

These six players join the two Colorado natives who signed during the November signing period. During her time at Dove Creek HS (CO), Kellie Deremo helped her team to League and Regional Championships . She has earned First Team All State honors and was also named League Player of the Year.

“Kellie is a fine athlete with great shooting touch.” Raunig says that “At 6-0 she will be able to knock down the outside shot and slash to the basket. We look for her to help us in the forward position - especially with rebounding.”

Coming from Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs, Meghan Hollenga helped lead her team to consecutive Conference Championships and to the Great 8. In 2008, she was named All-League Colorado Springs First Team, All-Area Colorado Springs Second Team, and All-Defensive Team. She received All-State honorable mention honors and Academic First Team and was named to the Colorado Springs 4A/5A All-Star Team.

“Meghan is athletic and will add depth in our forward position. She has a knack for rebounding and is a great defender. She will add much needed depth at the forward position” says Raunig.

“Our staff and returning players are so pleased with our incoming class for the 2009-10 season. They are all outstanding players and students…..but most importantly, they are quality people. The tradition of excellence in our program will continue throughout their careers. “