HONOLULU—University of Hawai'i women's basketball head coach
Laura Beeman announced the signing a pair of transfer centers for the Rainbow Wahine. Rachel Morris is a 6-4 post who will be transferring from Salt Lake Community College and Brianna Kennedy is a 6-3 center who will be transferring from Loyola Marymount. Morris will be available to play her final two years beginning in the 2014-15 season while Kennedy will have to sit out next year but will have two years left to play at Hawai'i starting in 2015-16.
Last year at Salt Lake Community College, Morris appeared in 29 games and made an immediate impact in the post, averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 assists per game. Prior to her season with the Bruins, Morris played in 26 games at Utah in the Pac-12. She averaged 7.4 minutes a game and scored 28 points with 33 rebounds and 11 blocks in a limited role. Morris was a two-time all-state and two-time Southern League Most Valuable Player for Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite, Nev. She set the state record for career blocked shots (597) and averaged 14.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game as a senior. She helped lead Virgin Valley to two 3A Southern League titles. As a junior, Morris averaged 11.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game. She was also an all-state volleyball player and participated in track.
"Rachel joins our program at the perfect time," says Beeman. "With the lack of depth and size in our post game she will add an immediate presence in the paint. Not only does she bring tremendous size to us, but she adds leadership, composure and maturity to our developing squad. Her experience at both the PAC-12 and junior college level will be something that the entire team can look to as our season progresses."
Kennedy played two seasons at LMU appearing in 41 games with one start. She averaged 9.0 minutes and 1.6 rebounds per game. She also had 11 career blocks and scored a total of 41 points. In high school, she was a three-sport athlete at Bonita High School in La Verne, Calif. She was a four-time All-Hacienda League selection and was the team's Defensive Player of the Year all four years. She also was a three-year varsity letterwinner and two-time all-league selection in volleyball and she competed in track and field for two seasons in the high jump, long jump, triple jump and discus. Academically, she was a four-year scholar-athlete and was twice was first team all-academic.
"We are truly excited to have Brianna join our 'ohana! Not only will she bring a competitive spirit to our practices next season, but she will add future depth and height to our post play.," says Beeman. "Having the ability to develop her for an entire year will make her transition into the 2015-2016 season seamless."
"Both young ladies come from outstanding families and have tremendous character. They both have displayed impressive commitment in the classroom and community," Beeman said.
Morris and Kennedy join four others who have already signed earlier with the Rainbow Wahine—Kandiss Barber, Jasmine Redmon, Dalayna Sampton, and Sarah Toeaina.
2014-15 Women's Basketball SigneesKandiss Barber - 5-9, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Mater Dei Catholic HS/San Diego, Calif.
Jasmine Redmon - 5-8, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Monterey Trail HS/Sacramento, Calif.
Dalayna Sampton - 6-2, Post, Florin HS/Sacramento, Calif.
Sarah Toeaina, 5-10, Guard, Kentwood HS/Covington, Wash.
Rachel Morris, 6-4, Center, Salt Lake Community College/Mesquite, Nev.
Brianna Kennedy, 6-3, Center, Loyola Marymount/La Verne, Calif.
-UH-
