Syracuse, IN — Goshen College women’s basketball coach Steve Wiktorowski announced his second signing of the 2005 spring recruiting period on Monday, adding Wawasee High School (Syracuse, Ind.) standout Rachel Canen to his program. Canen, a 5-7 multi-purpose guard, joins Eastern (Howard) High School 2005 graduate Kendra Fights (click here for Fights article) as the Leafs’ two signed recruits to date.

“Rachel should contribute to our program right away,” Wiktorowski said. “She is a very good three-point shooter who can play all three guard positions. Besides her shooting and passing ability, I really like her toughness. She is hard-nosed, confident and a vocal leader — qualities we have listed as high as recruiting priorities.”

Canen earned three varsity letters during her high school roundball career, finishing second in the Wawasee record books in both three-point shooting percentage and career steals. Canen concluded her career as the Warriors’ fourth all-time leading scorer, while ranking in the top 10 in five other statistical categories. She was named to All-Northern Lakes Conference teams following both her junior and senior seasons, and was honored as her team’s Most Valuable Player following those years as well. As a senior, Canen scored 12.5 points per game. She dished out four assists per game and grabbed three steals per contest, helping her team to a 14-9 record.

“She often competes against players who are more athletic than she is, but she does not back down from anyone because of her belief in her abilities,” Wiktorowski said. “She has been well-coached and should make a smooth transition into our system. The thing I like the most about her is that she really wanted to be a part of our program and I believe she will work hard to take advantage of her early opportunities.”

Canen benefited from playing under seven-year Wawasee head coach Kem Zolman, father of 2002 Indiana Miss Basketball and current University of Tennessee standout Shanna Zolman.

“Coach Zolman told me that his daughter, Shanna, was perhaps the only player he has ever coached who put in more time towards improving than Rachel,” Wiktorowski said. “That type of self-motivation is another trait we hold in very high regards at Goshen.”

Canen said she plans to study exercise science once at Goshen. The 2004-2005 Goshen News all-area first team selection said that proximity played a role in her decision, along with other factors.

“Goshen is really close to home and I have heard great things about their exercise science program,” Canen said. “I really liked the players at Goshen. They sold me on the school. It will also be nice to be able to watch a couple of Wawasee games in person. It just seemed like the right place for me.”

Wiktorowski said he plans to complete additional signings in the coming weeks. Check back to this website for continued, up-to-date recruiting information and team news. To contact Steve Wiktorowski, call him at (574) 535-7492 or click here to send him an email.