University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Berenato Announces Signing Of Two During Early Period
11/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 15, 2007
Coach Berenato Podcast - FREE
PITTSBURGH - University of Pittsburgh head coach Agnus Berenato announced Thursday that posts Kate Popovec and Shawnice "Pepper" Wilson have signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Pitt next season.
"I am very pleased with the recruiting efforts of our staff," Berenato said. "We addressed our needs in the post with signing two bigs that will help us in the future and give us the depth we need. Both student-athletes will make an immediate impact on our program."
Popovec, a 6-3 center from Canfield, Ohio, is a Sporting News Honorable Mention All-America and a two-time All-State team member. She is a three-time All-MAC Conference first team member, a two-time MAC Player of the Year and is a three-time All-Northeastern Ohio Inland District team member. In addition, Ohio Girls Basketball Report has also named Popovec to their Dream Team.
At Canfield High School, Popovec holds numerous school records in just three seasons, including career rebounds (781), rebounds per game (11.8), career blocked shots (282) and blocked shots per game (4.2). Popovec also holds the school record for single game blocked shots (10) and single season blocks (84). Entering her senior season, she is just 10 points away from the 1,000-point milestone. Academically, she is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a standing in the top 10 in her graduating class.
"We are so excited about signing Kate," Berenato said. "She is a great student-athlete as well as a presence in the paint. She knows the game, and has done very well competing in a strong basketball environment against some of the top teams in the nation. Because of this, she will be able to make a smooth transition to the Big East. We are thrilled to sign our first Ohio recruit in a basketball-rich area."
"There are so many reasons I chose Pitt," Popovec said. "I loved the atmosphere, the coaches, the team - everything. My family is really excited too because it is close and they can come see me play. I came on an unofficial visit my junior year and I just knew this was where I wanted to be as soon as I stepped on campus. I tried to wait a few months to see if it was the right choice before I committed, but there was no need to wait. I knew this was the right decision."
Wilson, a 6-6 center from Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, was named the City League Player of the Year last season as a junior. She is a three-time All-City League team member and was also the league's Freshman of the Year in 2004-05. Last season, Wilson was named to the Post-Gazette Fab-Five City League and was invited to the prestigious adidas Top Ten All-American Camp.
As a junior, Wilson averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game. She has accumulated 920 points and 855 rebounds in her three seasons and has a .750 average from the free throw line. Entering her senior season, she needs just 80 points to reach the 1,000-point milestone. Academically, Wilson is ranked second in her class of 66 and is a member of the National Honor Society.
"For the second year we have been able to sign the top student-athlete from the city of Pittsburgh. That is a sign of a great program when you can keep the local talent in town," Berenato said. "Pepper has a versatile game for being 6-6. She can play with her back to the basket or pull up for a three. In addition to her athletic talents, she is No. 2 in her graduating class. It excites us to have such a great student-athlete as a part of our program."
"I wanted to come to Pitt because my family and friends can come and see me play," Wilson said. "I knew as soon as I came on my unofficial visit that this was the right place for me and we are all so excited."
The Panthers will next hit the court Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Mount St. Mary's for a 7 p.m. tip off. Pitt will begin its home schedule Dec. 5 against Ohio at 7 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center. For ticket information, call the Pittsburgh Panthers Ticket Office at 1-800-643-PITT.
