COLUMBUS, Ohio - University of Rio Grande women's basketball head coach David Smalley has announced the signing of Columbus South standout Keyvona Waddell for the 2012-2013 season.
Waddell, a 5-foot-11 power forward, averaged 13.1 points and 10.4 rebounds for head coach Bill Spencer's Bulldogs.
She served as South's team captain for each of her four seasons and led the squad in both scoring and rebounding throughout the course of her career.
"I'm overwhelmed with the opportunity that God has blessed me with to sign with the University of Rio Grande," said Waddell, who was also a volleyball star at South. "Having the chance to play in college has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember."
Waddell was named to the Columbus Dispatch's All-City First Team as a senior after earning second team honors the season before. She was also an Ohio Associated Press All-Central District honorable mention selection each of the past two seasons.
"We're excited to have Keyvona joining our program," Smalley said. "I think she's the first player we've had from Columbus South during my tenure. She came down to our Athletic Recruiting Day recently and had a great workout. She's a tremendous young lady and a solid student in the classroom. Coach Spencer was instrumental in getting her down here for a visit."
Spencer's son, Matt, just completed his final season as a member of the RedStorm's cross country and track & field squads.
"After getting my opportunity to meet coach Smalley and tour the campus, I fell in love with the school," said Waddell, who remains undecided at this point in terms of a field of study.
Waddell, who was an Honor Roll student and a member of the National Honor Society at South, chose Rio Grande after also receiving interest from Ohio Christian University.
"Keyvona will probably be a swing player in our system. We're looking at her in the four (power forward) spot and, possibly, at the three (small forward)," said Smalley. "The future is bright for her and, as she progresses and understands our system, I think she can be a tremendous help for us down the road."
Waddell said she's open to doing whatever it takes to becoming a successful part of the Rio program.
"I feel I can bring whatever is necessary to the team, but I also can improve in every part of my game. No one is perfect," she said. "Every day that I train, I just want to get better in order to help the team."
Waddell is daughter of Sharonda and Alvin Williams of Columbus.
