GOSHEN, Ind. – A trio of talented and versatile players have signed with the Goshen College women's basketball team, head coach Stephanie Miller announced on Monday.  The group joins Miller's Maple Leafs who are slated to open the 2012-13 campaign on November 2 at Holy Cross College.  

Jo'Mani Thomas - Fort Wayne South Side HS

At 5-foot-10, Jo'Mani Thomas will add size and strength to the Maple Leaf front court beginning this fall.  A two-year starter at Fort Wayne South Side, she helped her team to a 22-2 record as a senior.

"I believe that Jo'Mani has just scratched the surface of what she could potentially do as a basketball player if she puts her mind to it," Miller explained.  "Coach Goodwell and her high school team found something special about her and we see the exact same thing.  She will be difficult to guard, intimidating on the glass, and we are just thrilled to have her on our side."

Ranked either #1 or #2 in the 4A state poll for the majority of the 2011-12 season, South Side lost by one point to Fort Wayne Snider (also ranked top 10) in the regional tournament.  Thomas was an all state honorable mention selection and was also picked to play for the Indiana team in the Border Wars Classic Game.

Tyra Carver - Kalamazoo Central High School

A 2012 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Tyra Carver is set to join the Maple Leafs for the 2012-13 season.  A 5-foot-8 guard/ forward, Carver averaged 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds a game as a junior before being sidelined with an injury for much of her senior season.

"When we found out that we were getting Tyra, we knew that we were getting a player with tremendous potential to make an impact on our program," Miller said.  "She is the kind of kid who you just know can explode into a dangerous player at any time.  Given time to grow and adjust, we think Tyra will make a name for herself."

"Tyra has an explosive first step to the basket and uses strength and creativity to weave her way to the rim," continued Miller.  "She is a physically strong guard and plays without fear.  She can provide scoring bursts as well as grab big rebounds.  Tyra also has a knack at finding the open player in transition."

Mary Hathaway - Winthrop University - Bishop Luers HS

A six-foot guard/ forward, Mary Hathaway is transferring to Goshen after three seasons at NCAA DI Winthrop University in South Carolina.  A two-year team captain for the Eagles, she amassed 60 starts, including career high averages of 30 minutes, six points, and five rebounds a contest as a sophomore.

In coming to Goshen, Hathaway returns to her home state where she was a 2009 graduate of Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne.  At Luers, the new Maple Leaf was part of a 3A state championship team in 2005-06 and was selected as All Summit Athletic Conference in both basketball and soccer.  She has also been involved with McCracken Basketball Camps as a coach and counselor.

"Mary is a well-rounded team player and her versatility will help us in so many ways this season," Miller explained.  "I have had the chance to work with her over the years and her energy, leadership, and drive will lift our level of play.  I am really excited to have her on board and know what a positive effect she will have on our team."