It's that time of year: flowers bloom, birds chirp, and high school juniors make verbal commitments to play collegiate sports.
Marquette women's basketball has a leg up on the men's team in that regard, as head coach Carolyn Kieger has secured a commitment from Lauren Van Kleunen.
Congratulations to Junior girls basketball player @LaurenVK_31 on making her commitment to Marquette University! #GoEagles
— Mason Sports Radio (@MHSsportsradio) May 9, 2015
I'm beyond excited to announce my commitment to Marquette University. I'm blessed and excited to be a Golden Eagle〽️ pic.twitter.com/iu59pICgz0
— Lauren Van Kleunen (@LaurenVK_31) May 9, 2015
Van Kleunan stands 6'3" tall and is listed as a forward, according to her high school athletic conference's website. She averaged 15.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.8 assists in her junior season as Mason (OH) High School went 20-5 and reached the Ohio District 2 final before bowing out. Van Kleunan averaged 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in Mason's three state tournament games.
Van Kleunan was included in the Cincinnati Enquirer's list of 25 area players to watch heading into the 2014-15 season, and she made the Ohio Girls Basketball Report All-Ohio Second Team at the conclusion of the season.
With just one senior expected for next year and three scholarships still open and available according to NCAA limits, we'll have to see how much more recruiting Kieger and her staff will be doing going forward.
(H/T @dlabay)