With five games down for the BYU women's basketball team, the future is looking promising.

Not only do the Cougars own a winning 3-2 record on the season but they are also planning for next year.

Head coach Jeff Judkins announced Saturday that top recruits Kim Parker and Stephanie Vermunt have signed national letters of intent to play at BYU.

"We're excited to have these two outstanding student-athletes join our program," Judkins said in a news release. "Both will fit in with our program and will be a big part of our team."

Parker is a Utah native out of Heber City. The 5-foot-11 forward played prep basketball at Wasatch High School.

Judkins said she is the best player out of Utah with solid rebounding, passing and shooting skills.

There are nine players from Utah on BYU's current roster, three of which are seniors. With Cassie King, Shawnee Slade and Sarah Red-Hostetter leaving the Cougars, a fellow Utahan will have to step up.

Parker led her high school team to the 3A state title last season and was named to the 2007-08 State Championship All-Tournament Team. She averaged 14.3 points per game as a junior.

Alongside Parker will be Vermunt from Alberta, Canada.

"Stephanie is a great outside shooter and will probably play 2 and 3 for us," Judkins said. "She can create her own shot, has good speed and will fit in well with our motion offense. And we're excited about her international experience and what that will mean for our team."

Her experience is well recognized in Canada. Vermunt is the reigning Miss Basketball Alberta and was recognized as one of Canada's top under-18 players. Further experience has ranged from leading the Canadian National Team to a second place finish in various tournaments to high hopes at the 2009 World Championships in Thailand.

The 6-foot forward trained at Bert Church High School and is a two-year member of the National Sports Development.



Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Dec 2008