Women's Hoops Signs an Addition in Class of 2021

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The University of North Dakota women’s basketball team announced another student-athlete to its Signing Class of 2021 in 6-6 center Miranda VanderWal (Strathroy, Ont., Canada). VanderWal joins guards Jodi Anderson (Centerville, Minn./Centennial HS) and fellow Canadian Allie McCarthy (Grand Falls, N.B., Canada/Lincoln Prep) in the class.

“I’m excited to add a player that we feel will more than live up to the legacy of great post players that UND has produced. With Miranda’s size, the level of coaching she’s received, and the level of competition she’s faced, she is ready for Division I. If there is a season in Ontario, she is poised for a breakout,” said Interim Head Coach Mallory Bernhard.

A list of Vanderwal’s accomplishments, as well as quotes from coaches, are listed below.

For more news and updates on Fighting Hawks Women’s Basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow UND Women’s Basketball on Facebook or @UNDWbasketball on Instagram and Twitter.

MIRANDA VANDERWAL

FR | 6-6 | C
Hometown: Strathroy, Ont., Canada
High School: Southwest Academy
Coach: Rob Angione
Intended Major: Nursing

VANDERWAL'S TOP-5

· Represented Team Ontario at the U15 & U17 Canadian Championships
· Won a silver medal with Team Ontario
· Has averaged 8.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game at Southwest Academy
· Honour Roll member and Citizen Award recipient
· Attended five Canada Assessment Camps

Miranda has been surrounded by other Division I players her whole career at Southwest and should have a feature role in her senior year. Coach Angione is one of the best and most respected coaches in Canada and knows how to develop talent. Beyond that, she’s a super kid from a wonderful family. Angela and Jason have instilled a great work ethic and big heart in their daughter and should rightfully be proud.

- Mallory Bernhard, Interim Head Women's Basketball Coach, UND

Southwest Academy is thrilled for Miranda and extremely excited for the next chapter of her academic and athletic journey. Right from the beginning, Coach Motherwell and the UND family have been so supportive and have had consistent engagement with Miranda’s DTE. They’ve consistently recruited Canada hard and it’s paid off. It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching Miranda and watching her growth and leadership blossom since making the move to our prep school programming in grade 10. We can’t wait to see what she is able to accomplish this year, although unconventional with the pandemic, and really hope we can get some competition in this year as Miranda is poised to help lead our program to take another step forward. Miranda will bring so much to the UND community and couldn’t think of a better situation or colour for Miranda to dawn in 2021 and beyond.

- Rob Angione, Southwest Academy Head