Texas Women's University

DENTON, Texas (May 18) – The Texas Woman’s University basketball head coach Beth Jillson announced the signing of five players for the upcoming 2010-11 season. The incoming class include three freshman - Kacie Byford (Crandall, TX/Crandall), Taylor Swift (Claremore, OK/Claremore), and Ashton Waters (Millsap, TX/Millsap) and two transfers - Brooke Shepherd (Argyle, TX/Argyle/Northwestern State) and Cambria Smith (Garland, TX/N. Mesquite/Stephen F. Austin).  All five signees along with Tabbatha Thurmond, who signed in the fall of 2009, will join the Pioneers during the 2010-11 academic year.

Byford, a 5-10 forward, was a three-time first team All-District at Crandall High School. She averaged 10.2 points per game during her senior year and was selected TABC All-Region Team and recipient of Wendy’s High School Heisman.

Swift, a 5-4 guard, scored 8.2 points per game and handed out 3.9 assists per game her senior year at Claremore High School. She also averaged 3.3 rebounds and shot 40.0 percent from the field. Swift was an All-State selection and First Team All-Metro Lakes Conference in 2010.

Waters averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.4 steals her senior year at Millsap High School. She was named to the 2010 All-District 9 2A First Team and Academic All-District team. Waters was also selected to the TGCA Academic All-State, First Team All-Parker County and Chicken Express All-Star Team.

"This is our best incoming freshmen class since I've been at TWU,” said Jillson. “They all come from very competitive high school and AAU programs that know how to win. These young ladies have tremendous work ethic, outstanding academic credentials, and will play a huge role in our success for the next four years."

Shepherd, a 5-6 guard, played three years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. She played in 21 games while making 13 starts in 2009-10 and averaged 8.7 points and 3.1 rebounds. Shepherd shot 51.4 percent from the three-point range and recorded 31 steals. She was named Southland Conference All-Academic First Team and SLC Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2009. Shepherd was a District MVP, two-time district Defensive MVP and district Newcomer of the Year at Argyle High School.

Smith, 5-5 guard, played two seasons at Stephen F. Austin. This past season she played in 24 games with five starts and averaged 11.6 minutes. Smith recorded 56 assists (second on the team) and 18 steals. She was three-time first team All-District at North Mesquite High School. Smith was also the 2008 District MVP and North Texas Basketball Coaches All-Star.

"I'm so excited Brooke and Cami have decided to join the Pioneer family,” Jillson said. “Brooke is an incredible shooter with range and can really stretch out the defense. Cami is used to playing fast, has great court vision, and is one of the best passer's I've seen. They will add depth and experience to our lineup."