Vanguard University

The athlete: Marissa comes to Vanguard after two seasons with Head Coach Jeff Mittle at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas?averaged 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.8 minutes per game?2004 Conference USA All-Academic Team?graduated from La Jolla County Day School in La Jolla, CA in 2004?played for Terri Bamford in the Coastal Conference?All-Coastal League 1st Team for four years?All-League South San Diego County 1st Team?Co-Coastal League South Player of the Year?Street & Smith's Honorable Mention All-America?scored over 1700 points, had 1200 rebounds and 300 blocks?averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Division V and Division IV State Champs?has played basketball for 11 years?also played softball and volleyball?played four years of club for the Waves and AAU?aggressive and intense player?power forward who should have a great debut as a Lion?strong rebounder?huge addition to a roster with only four returners.

The person: Marissa was born on February 22, 1986 to parents Manuel and Maria in Chula Vista, CA?younger sister Michelle?majoring in Business Administration?favorite Scripture is Psalms 23:6?likes to eat pizza at "BJ's"?favorite movie is "Love & Basketball"?watches "Girlfriends" on TV?likes the color teal and the number 21?sports hero is Kobe Bryant and roots for the LA Lakers?most respects her mom because she is such a tough lady?basketball has taught her that nothing worth working for is easy?learned to never take life for granted?career goal is to do something she loves and be successful.

Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because it had a good program and was close to home.

Coach Davis' comments: Marissa's NCAA Division I experience will help her have two great years at Vanguard.