General 11.09 Ray Fink | Director of Athletics Communications | ray.fink@okbu.edu

OBU Adds 24 on Signing Day

SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist had a busy National Signing Day Wednesday with 24 new Bison and Lady Bison officially joining the herd.

For OBU, the Signing Day was the first time the newly-minted NCAA school could use the National Letter of Intent. Future OBU softball player Brooklyn Mason was the first ever OBU athlete to sign a NLI.

More signings are expected in the coming days.

Lacrosse had the most additions with seven players signing on, followed by women's cross country and volleyball with five each, women's golf and softball with two each and one apiece for men's basketball, men's cross country and women's tennis.

Men's Basketball
Braden Norris
Braden Norris is a 6-2 guard from Coweta High School where he played for his father and OBU basketball alum and former Lady Bison basketball coach Scott Norris.

His brothers Zach and Caleb play for the Bison now and his mother, Wendy Vaughan Norris, was a standout for the Lady Bison basketball team.

Braden comes to OBU on his own merits, earning 2017 First-Team All-Metro Lakes Conference and honorable mention All-Tulsa Metro prior to the start of his senior season.

He also is a member of the National Honor Society and on the Superintendent's Honor Roll.

"I chose OBU because I am familiar with the campus and know that it is a great place for me to be," Norris said. "I also really enjoy the coaching staff. It is also another chance for me to be on the same team as my brother, Caleb."

Volleyball
Katelyn Finch
Katelyn Finch is set to join Oklahoma Baptist after a standout career at Obra D. Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas, where she played for Coach Allison Merrell.

Finch is a 5-11 outside hitter that was a four-year letterman, four-time First Team All-District selection and won a Co-District Championship. She was named to the Houston Fab 50 for all four years of her high school career, earned Most Valuable Hitter and All-Tournament Team honors at the Katy / CyFair Tournament, named All-Tournament at the Ragin Rattler Tournament, and was the team captain and winner of the team MVP award for four years.

Playing for the Texas Tornados Volleyball Club, Finch finished second and third in the nation at the USAV National Championships. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been named First Team All-Academic three times.

Katelyn's parents are Clint and Michelle Finch.

She was also recruited by Kansas State, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State and Northern Colorado.

"I want to be a part of a great Christian college and a volleyball program that wins," said Finch. "When I met the coaches and the team, I knew I found where I need to be. My goals are to grow closer to God through my education and win a national championship with OBU."

Taryn Weber
Taryn Weber is a 5-9 volleyball player that played at Prosper High School for Coach Erin Kauffman in Prosper, Texas.

Weber won a Bi-District Championship and was crowned Area Champion at Prosper. The incoming freshman has experience as an outside hitter, right-side hitter and defensive specialist.

She was also recruited by Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello, but chose OBU because "I knew I was home."

"I really liked the nursing opportunities that OBU provided. I also loved the environment of the team and the school as soon as I stepped on campus," said Weber.

Taryn's parents are Sara and Todd Weber.

Rilee Arey
Rilee Arey is a Columbia, Missouri, native that attended Rock Bridge High School and played for Coach Aaron Kincaid.

Arey is a 6-0 opposite-side hitter and middle hitter who earned First Team All-Region honors, was named All-District honorable mention and varsity team captain.

"When I visited OBU, it felt like a second home, unlike all of the other colleges I have visited. The coaching, players and community were all welcoming and made me feel like I already belong. I also loved the Christian focus throughout the sports and campus," said Arey.

Rilee is the daughter of Tracy and Beth Arey.

Kyndall Ellis
Kyndall Ellis is a 5-9 outside hitter from Spring, Texas, that attends Houston Christian High School, where she plays for Kris Lartigue and Courtnee Rhodes.

Ellis was a member of the 2016 District Championship team, was named All-SPC South Zone, won the Newcomer Award and earned Academic "A" Honor Roll.

She was also recruited by Colorado Christian, East Texas Baptist and Hendrix, but chose OBU "because of its outstanding volleyball program."

"I wanted to attend a Christian university where I can continue to grow in my faith," said Ellis.

Kyndall is the daughter of Rick and Brenda Ellis.

Delayna Mills
Dalayna Mills is a 5-5 libero from Magnolia, Texas, that played at Magnolia West High School for Coach Emily Buckley.

Mills lettered for three years and earned Academic All-Tournament team twice. She led Magnolia West to the program's first-ever playoff appearance and won Districts in 2015 and returned to the playoffs in 2017. The incoming freshman was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Math Honor Society.

Playing with her club team, Mills won the 2017 USA Volleyball Junior National Championship and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Delayna's parents are Michelle and Shannon Mills.

"I chose OBU because I wanted to be in a Godly environment. I also loved how the team is like one big family," said Mills.

Men's Cross Country
Cameron Mills
Cameron Mills is a 6-1 cross country runner from Mustang High School, where he was All-State in cross country in 2017 and MVP of Mustang Cross Country in 2015 for Coach Mike McGarry.

His personal records are 16:16 in the 5K, 1:58 in the 800 and 4:35 in the mile.

The son of Chad and Angela Mills, Cameron also made the President's Honor Roll and the National Honors Society.

He also was recruited by Oklahoma Christian, Oklahoma City, Central Arkansas and USAO.

"I chose OBU because of the amazing mix of superior academics, religious pursuits, and top notch athletic programs," Mills said.

Women's Cross Country
Michaela Phipps
Michaela Phipps comes to OBU from Artesia (New Mexico) High School where she ran for coaches Shelley Ebarb and Matt Conn.

Phipps qualified for State, medaled at the District Meet and was Team MVP all three years of her high school career. She also received the Leadership Award as a junior.

She also qualified in track in the 800 and 1600 relay and placed second in districts in the 800 and third in the 1600 and 3200. Her best times are 2:37 in the 800, 6:03 in the 1600, 13:09 in the 3200, 19:30 in the three-mile and 21:36 in the 5K.

The daughter of Thad and Alisha Phipps, Michaela also maintains a 4.0 grade point average, is a member of the National Honor Society and earned Highest Honors since her freshman year.

"I chose OBU because God spoke very clearly to my heart when I first stepped on campus," said Phipps. "After my first visit (as a junior in high school), I prayed for a year about where God desired for me to go and grow in Him, and God kept placing OBU in sight. He has provided the means for me to visit campus and connect with extraordinary people who love the Lord and are excited to see me grow academically and spiritually. The atmosphere of OBU is wonderful because of the body of believers that comprise it, and I believe God desires OBU to be my place, too."

Caitlin Mertz
Caitlin Mertz comes to OBU from Southlake, Texas, where she helped Coach Justin Leonard's Southlake Carroll Senior High squad to three 6A girls State runner-up finishes.

Mertz has personal bests of 1:03.67 in the 400, 2:34.61 in the 800, 5:35 in the 1600 and 20:08.30 in cross country in the 5K.

She is the daughter of Dr. Marybeth Crane and James Mertz.

Mertz was recruited by Abilene Christian and Dallas Baptist.

"When I visited the campus, I immediately felt at home. The team was so warm and caring. The power of prayer led me to OBU," Mertz said.

Emma Downing
Emma Downing earned All-State in cross country and was the State runner-up representing Mustang High School under Coach Mike McGary.

She also placed sixth in State in the 3200-meter relay and owns the school record in 200 medley relay in swimming.

The daughter of Debra and William Downing, Emma also is an AP Scholar, member of Superintendent's Honor Roll and All-Around Girl.

Her top times are 2:20 in the 800, 5:35 in the mile and 18:31 in the 5K.

Downing was recruited by Oklahoma City and Southern Nazarene.

"I wanted to come and get a great education that would push me to success in the medical field," said Downing. "I also wanted to come and run competitively for a great school. To come to a Christian college and get an education that was Christ centered has been a dream of mine, and OBU has fulfilled it."

Berkley Price
Berkley Price, an incoming freshman from Cordell, is a 10-time State Champion in track and cross country.

Coached by Jana Rogers, Price won the 2014 State Cross Country Meet and was State Track Champion in the 3200 in 2014, 2016 and 2017, the 1600 in 2015, 2016 and 2017, the 4x800 in 2015 and 2016 and the 800 in 2017.

Price earned All-State in cross country four years and is an eight-time All-State honoree in track. Her top times are 11:35 in the 3200, 5:27 in the 1600, 5:04 in the 1500 and 2:20 in the 800.

Her efforts led CHS to State titles in cross country in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and track titles in 2015 and 2016.

She also is on track to graduate as valedictorian and has been named to the National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society and Superintendent's Honor Roll. She also attended the Biomedical Academy, where she was selected Outstanding Student of the Year.

She is the daughter of Jim and Dana Price.
Price was recruited by Dallas Baptist, Oklahoma Christian, Southwestern Oklahoma State, USAO and Cameron.

"I chose OBU because of the positive atmosphere I felt when visiting the campus and meeting the team," Price said. "I am also very impressed with the winning culture of the team and the outstanding nursing program. I feel that OBU is where God wants me to be."

Alexzandria Hernandez
Alexzandria Hernandez, the daughter of Leighla Mason, comes to OBU from Enid High School, where she ran for Coach Steve Bloom.

Hernandez placed fifth at State as a senior and ninth as a junior and trimmed 53 seconds off her time in that span and earning All-State twice.

She won five consecutive meets her senior season and won the conference meet two consecutive seasons.

Hernandez also starred in the classroom, earning membership in the National Honor Society and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She is an honor student, Senior Class President and was Student of the Month September 2017.

Hernandez was recruited by Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Dallas Baptist, Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian, Southwestern Oklahoma State, East Central, Cameron, Northwestern Oklahoma State, University of St. Mary, Sterling, Lyon, McPherson and Ottawa.

"I chose OBU because I really liked the atmosphere of the college and I loved how welcomed I felt during my tour," Hernandez said. "Another aspect of why I chose Oklahoma Baptist University over the other colleges is because I feel like I can further my running career with these amazing teammates and great coaches here at this college. Lastly OBU's science program is top ten in the nation, so I know I will get the education I need."

Women's Golf
Hayden Meiser
Hayden Meiser is a 5-6 senior from Norman that attends Norman High School and plays for Coach Bruce Renfroe.

Meiser was a three-time varsity letterman and was a member of the team that was crowned 6A State runner-up in 2016 and won the 6A Regional Championship in 2017. She was named All-Conference for two years, qualified for state for three years, won the Longest Drive at the Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Tournament and the Women's Oklahoma Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament and qualified for the Pure Insurance First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Her career low is a one-under 71 at John Conrad Golf Course at the Labor Day Classic and she made a hole-in-one at Regionals.

The daughter of Kevin and Amy Meiser, Hayden is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

"I chose to come to OBU because I liked the family atmosphere of it and how the school is big, but not to where you won't see a familiar face," said Meiser. "I also liked how close and personable everyone was. I was interested in nursing and I was impressed with the facilities."

Josie Patterson
Josie Patterson is a 5-4 golfer from Chandler that plays at Chandler High School for Coach Jim Campbell.

Patterson is a three-time 66 Conference champion, a three-time State qualifier, and was named the 2016 Junior PGA Player of the Year. She placed fourth individually at State in 2017, was on a third-place team at State in 2015 and was a member of the Academic State Championship team in 2015.

Josie is the daughter of Clint and Darsi Patterson and was a member of the National Honor Society, Superintendents Honor Roll, part of the gifted and talented program and a winner of multiple Outstanding Student Awards in English, algebra and chemistry.

She chose OBU because "It's close to home and I've always loved the campus!"

of players on National Signing Day.

Softball
Brooklyn Mason
Brooklyn Mason is an outfielder from Lone Grove High School, where she played for Coach Jimmy Miller.

Mason earned All-Conference and All-Area Super Team as a freshman and sophomore, Conference and All-Area Super Team Defensive Player of the Year and District Offensive Player of the Year as a junior, and All-District Offensive Player of the Year as a Senior.

The daughter of Alisha and David Mason, Brooklyn was a member of the 2017 4A State runner-up squad and a member of three District champion teams. She played on the State quarterfinalist team as a freshman.

Mason said she selected OBU because of the "atmosphere and educational program."

Lexi Duff
Lexi-Jett Duff is a 5-6 pitcher from Lone Grove, who attended Ardmore High School and played for Coach Charli Crawford.

Duff, who holds the AHS strikeout record, was 2017 All-Area, All-District Player of the Year and All-Region; 2016 All-Area Pitcher of the Year and All-District Defensive Player of the Year; 2015 All-Area Super Team and First-team All-District; and 2014 All-Area Pitcher of the Year and All-District Newcomer of the Year.

The daughter of Ben and Sherry Duff, Lexi also earned the A+ Athlete Scholarship.

Duff was recruited by North Alabama, Nebraska-Omaha, Lee and St. Gregory's.

"I wanted the roots of faith firmly established in every aspect of my college experience, the coaching staff makes it feel like another home, the academics, it's close to home, and I truly felt that it was the perfect fit for me," Duff said.

Women's Tennis
Ethne Dowling
Ethne Dowling comes to OBU from Wrexham, United Kingdom, where she promoted in the national league with her region for four consecutive years, representing Wales in the school finals.

Dowling, the daughter of Steve and Jayne Dowling, attended St. Joseph's Catholic and Anglican High School.

"(OBU) combined my love for tennis with great academic opportunity and the chance for me to grow spiritually," Dowling said.

Lacrosse
Rachel Carlson
Rachel Carlson is a midfielder and defender from Tulsa where she plays for Bishop Kelley under the instruction of head coach Melissa Jaskiewicz.

Carlson helped lead Bishop Kelley to a semifinal appearance last year in the Heartland Lacrosse League, going 12-1. She also plays club for Red Dirt Lacrosse.

The daughter of Elizabeth Frost and Paul Carlson, Carlson was also recruited by Huntingdon College and Converse College.

Carlson chose OBU because "it felt like a good fit for me. I liked that class sizes are small, it is relatively close to home, and everyone I met on campus was so nice."

Madison Gordon
Madison Gordon is a defender and midfielder from Lee's Summit, Missouri, where she plays for Lee's Summit North High School for head coach Steve Morgan.

Gordon earned First Team All-Kansas City Metro Girls' Lacrosse Association honors, and she's tallied 55 ground balls, 24 caused turnovers and 35 draw controls in her last two seasons. Gordon also is a member of the Lee's Summit North volleyball team.

The daughter of China and Geoffery Arbuckle, and Tony and Sasha Gordon, Madison also earned Academic All-KCMGLA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Gordon chose to attend OBU because "[she is] very excited to attend a Christian University as well as the opportunity to continue playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. When I visited OBU I felt at home and cannot wait to start the next chapter of my life there."

Cameryn Hart
Cameryn Hart is a defender from Tulsa where she plays for head coach Melissa Jaskiewicz at Bishop Kelley High School.

Hart helped her team go 12-1 during her junior season, reaching the Heartland Lacrosse League semifinals.

She is the daughter of Mr. Matt Hart and Ms. Catherine Hart.

When asked, Hart said she chose OBU because "when I visited, I fell in love with the campus, the atmosphere and the Bison community. I would love attending Oklahoma Baptist, and would really enjoy continuing my lacrosse career here as well."

Shay Morgan
Shay Morgan is an attacker and midfielder from Kansas City, Missouri, and plays for head coach Steve Morgan at Lee's Summit North High School.

Morgan took home Second Team All-KCMGLA honors her junior season, and also served as team captain for the Broncos. A four-year letter winner for LSN, Morgan has also helped the team to four straight KCMGLA playoff appearances and a 7-versus-7 league title in the fall of 2017.
The daughter of Steve and Leah Morgan, Shay is also a member of National Honor Society and has made the Principal's Honor Roll every year since seventh grade. She is an International Baccalaureate student and ranks in the top 20 percent of her class.

Morgan was also recruited by Rockhurst, Benedictine and Midland.

Morgan said, "I decided to attend OBU for many reasons. Not only did I love the women's lacrosse team, I have former high school teammates playing on the team as well. Coach Beech is a great coach and I look forward to working with him! He has a good vision for the team, and I feel that I can fit into that really well. My grandparents also live in Midwest City, so I will always have family close by. The campus was also perfect for what I was looking for in a college."

Laurel Rosenthal
Laurel Rosenthal is a defender from Keller, Texas, where she plays for Keller High School.

Rosenthal was a starter for Keller when they claimed the THSGLL Division II state championship in her sophomore season.

She is the daughter of Chad and Jen Rosenthal.

Rosenthal chose OBU because "[she] felt as if it was my home right away."

Lauren Scott
Lauren Scott is a goalie from The Colony, Texas, who played for Flower Mound under the instruction of Gabby Sinmaz.

During her junior year, Scott posted a 74.3 save percentage with 58 saves for Flower Mound. She has also played club lacrosse for C2C.

She is the daughter of Jill and Michael Scott.

Kiersten Steinbrugge
Kiersten Steinbrugge is a midfielder and attacker from Kansas City, Missouri, where she plays for head coach Steve Morgan at Lee's Summit North High School.

A four-time letter winner with LSN, Steinbrugge has helped her team to the district semifinals each of the last four years, and is a member of the only Lee's Summit-based team to win a playoff game during that time. She also helped the Broncos to a 7-versus-7 title this fall.

The daughter of Angie and Donny Steinbrugge, Kiersten is also a member of the Lee's Summit North cheer squad, where she helped the Broncos to a regional runners-up title. She was nominated as an All-American.

Steinbrugge was also recruited by Converse College, Barton College, Maryville, Edinboro, Benedictine, Ottawa and Missouri Valley College, among others.

Steinbrugge said, "I chose Oklahoma Baptist University because it met all of the things I was looking for in a college, academic programs that I want to study, strong spiritual community as well as provided me an opportunity to continue my passion of playing women's lacrosse. I visited many college campuses and all it took was for me to visit OBU to know this needed to be my home away from home after graduating high school. OBU offered an environment that was exactly what I had been looking for. Coach Beech also made choosing OBU easy. He is a coach that I look forward to playing for in the 2019 season. He has been so helpful over the last few months answering any and all questions as it pertains to making a final college decision. I am so excited to say that I am committed to OBU! GO BISON!"

Print Friendly Version