The last few seasons has seen UT Permian Basin Women's Basketball recruit some highly skilled freshmen. These freshmen have the team set up for success in the near and distant future. This year's class is shaping up to be no different for the Falcons according to Head Coach
Rae Boothe.
"As a freshman class, we couldn't be happier," said Boothe. "They are amazing, smart, fun, and talented young women. They are about team, our culture, and being part of something bigger than themselves in all areas. They will help us take it up a level in every way as a program! As students, they have above a 3.5 GPA. As athletes, I very much believe this will be our best freshman class. That is a pretty lofty goal as we have had some pretty good ones lately, but I do believe the class of '22 will elevate us immediately and they will without a doubt do big things over the course of their careers."
Marisa Seaton - San Antonio, TX - Guard
Seaton played at Brandeis High School since her freshman season. During her time in high school she has been named to the Second Team All-District twice and has been on the honor roll.
"Marisa is an incredibly talented player," said Boothe. "She has a great skill set and great leadership qualities. Marisa will immediately impact our team at the point guard spot. She is an incredible shooter and can easily play the two guard spot if needed. She has a high basketball IQ and is poised on the court. I know Marisa had many opportunities to play in college and even opportunities at higher levels, but we had a great connection during the recruiting process. I am excited to continue our relationship while she is in a Falcon uniform! I have no doubt, she will have a great college career."
Maurdaisha Powell - Houston, TX - Guard
Powell is from Fort Bend Dulles High School in Sugar Land, TX. Her athletic accomplishments include Defensive Player of the Year her junior year, First Team All-District her sophomore year, and Second Team All-District her freshman year.
"Dai Dai is a perfect fit for our program," said Boothe. "She is very long, athletic, and versatile. When we started recruiting her, she played four different positions for her AAU team. She is versatile and smart enough to play different positions incredibly well. I believe she will thrive at the three guard spot for us. She is a beast on the defensive end and can score anywhere on the court. Dai Dai will be a phenomenal all-around player and a very fun one to coach!"
Ariyel Gordon - San Antonio, TX - Guard
Gordon joins the Falcons from Harlan High School in San Antonio, TX. She brings with her three years being on the All-Academic District Team. She also has earned First and Second Team All-District honors.
"Ari is special," said Boothe. "She has a very high ceiling that she has just started to tap into. Her growth over the course of this past summer with AAU was tremendous. Ari plays with great energy and passion, it is contagious to those around her! Ari is long, athletic, and will cause havoc on the defensive end. She can also score from beyond the arc and is extremely effective off the bounce. Her best basketball is in front of her. I'm thrilled to be able to coach her!"
Khiara Flugence - Beorne, TX - Forward
Flugence is from Champion High School in Boerne, TX. She carries with her academic accomplishments that include: Academic All-District for three years, two years of Leadership Council, and apart of National African American, National Rural, and Small Town Recognition programs. She is also in top 10 percent of her class as well as taken AP and Dual Credit classes.
Not only has she shined academically but she has also shined on the basketball court. She is a four-year letterman and was nominated to the First Team All-District her sophomore and junior year. She earned TABC All-Region honors and is a three-year captain of her team. She was the team Co-MVP in 2020 and the MVP in 2021. She has led her team to the Regional Semifinals the last two years and they were Co-District Champions last year
"Khiara will be tremendous for us at the four position," said Boothe. "She will be a match-up nightmare as she has great size and length. She can work the paint but she can also stretch the floor with her ability to shoot. Khiara plays and rebounds extremely hard and shows great passion! She has been very fun to watch. I have a feeling our fans will enjoy watching her and getting to know her as well!"
Download the UTPB Athletics App for the latest news on your favorite Falcon teams.