Burke finalizes incoming recruiting class
SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Head coach Mary Burke finalized the incoming class for the upcoming 2020-21 season as the Bryant University women's basketball team welcomes five newcomers to the roster. The incoming class consists of three international players including a Top 100 Junior College transfer.
Lucie Castagne – 5-4 Guard | Paris, France | Putnam Science Academy (Connecticut)
Before Bryant
Varsity letter winner in basketball at Putnam Science Academy … Helped her high school squad place third in the Independent School National Championship in 2018 and 2019 … Thee-time selection for Departmental Team … Pre-selection for the U18 3x3 France Basketball Team in 2018 … Led her team to the U18 French National Championship in 2016 and 2017, and the U15 French National Championship in 2014 and 2015.
Personal
Daughter of Delphine and Jean Yves Castagne … Has two brothers, Victor and Julien, and one sister, Valentine.
Coach Burke comments on Lucie
"Her speed in setting the tempo in our transition game will be extremely important. It will allow us to get back to that up-tempo style. She also has abilities to get to the rim and pull up in transition, which is another offensive threat from our point guard. She is a flat out, head on-ball defender which will allow us to really set the tempo defensively."
Stephanie Mayerhofer – 5-7 Guard | Red Bank, N.J. | Middletown South
Before Bryant
A four-year varsity letter winner in basketball at Middletown South under head coach Tom Brennan … Served as a team captain of her high school squad as a senior … Named to NJ.com Top Juniors and Top Sophomores in the state in 2018 and 2019 … A two-time recipient of the Coaches Award … Named Hoop Group Shore Conference Most Improved Player in 2018 … Helped her team become New Jersey Central Group IV Champions in 2019 … Played AAU for the New Jersey Shore Shots.
Personal
Daughter of Kristy and Kenny Mayerhofer … Has one brother, James, and one sister, Erin.
Coach Burke comments on Stephanie
"Steph is a very skilled combo guard whose competitive nature and toughness will be a great asset to the program next season. She will also fill the guard position as a tireless worker which has been her foundation of growth over her young career. Her abilities to get to the rim and shoot behind the arc will add to the different dimensions that she will bring to the program.
Fatou Jallow – 5-7 Guard | Stockholm, Sweden | Salt Lake City Community College
Before Bryant
Began her collegiate career at Cowley College before transferring to Salt Lake City Community College for her sophomore season … Earned MVP and was named to the All-Star team when playing overseas in Sweden with Fryshuset Basket in the Basketettan league … Ranked among the top 100 junior college players in the country and was ranked as high as 18 at the time of the National Tournament.
Personal
Daughter of Kadiatou Barry.
Coach Burke comments on Fatou
"A very athletic lefty combo guard who is fundamental and can play with or without the ball. Fatou will be expected to split time at the point and two-guard position. Her abilities to penetrate defenses and pitch to open players along with her offensive output will add creative offense for the Bulldogs. She will also be another outstanding defender, which is a big win for the Bulldogs."
Juliette Golden – 6-1 Forward | Millville, Mass. | Marianapolis Preparatory
Before Bryant
A four-year varsity letter winner in basketball at Marianapolis Prep for Kirsty Leedham … Helped her high school team to a Class A NEPSAC Championship title in 2018 … Named NEPSAC All-Star in volleyball as a senior.
Personal
Daughter of Cheryl and Jason Golden … Has one brother, Maxwell.
Coach Burke comments on Juliette
"Juliette fits the mold of a forward in the "Bulldog" system. A 6-1 forward who runs well, finishes around the basket, and presents an athletic deterrence in the paint. Her three-point range will be an added benefit to the versatility on stretching out opposing defense."
Mariona Planes Fortuny – 6-3 Center | Bellpuig, Spain | Ins Lo Pla d'Urgell
Before Bryant
A four-year basketball player in the Junior League Preferent 1 Catalonia in Spain … Helped her team become back-to-back league runners-ups during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons … Led the team to a league championship in 2015-16 before helping F.C. Barcelona become regional runner-ups and leading them to a National Final Four … Selected as League MVP two years in a row … Selected to attend the U16 Women's National Team Camp in both 2016-17 and 2017-18, as well as being selected for the U15 Women's Regional Team Camp in 2017-18.
Personal
Daughter of M. Àngels Fortuny Balcells and Joan Planes Nonell … Has one brother, Joan Planes Fortuny.
Coach Burke comments on Mariona
"A 6-3 center whose strength is the transition game. Mariona comes to Bryant as one of three international players in this class. Her craftiness around the basket will be a great asset in Bryant's post driven offense. Her size and length will also be an added benefit in rebounding on both ends. Her skill will help us remain as an outstanding rebounding team."