MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University Women’s Basketball Coach Steve Brooks announces his first signing for the 2008-2009 basketball season. Stephanie Burtch, a two year starter at Fishers, has signed a letter of intent to further her education and play basketball at IWU.

Burtch, a 5’10” wing, is currently averaging 9.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game during her senior season at Fishers. While helping lead the team to 13-5 record and the school’s first ever conference championship, Burtch has shot 45% from the field, 36% from 3-point range, and 78% from the free throw line. Prior to her senior season, Burtch was named to the Hoosier Crossroads All-Conference Team, the All-Hamilton County Team, and Fishers Most Valuable Offensive Player during her junior year. In addition to her success on the basketball court, Burtch has also excelled on the soccer field. As a goalie for the Fishers soccer team, Burtch was named 2nd Team All-State, Hoosier Crossroads All-Conference, and All-Hamilton County after both her junior and senior seasons. Off the court, Burtch was also honored as an IHSAA Role Model as a part of the IHSAA’s “Smokefree Indiana” campaign.

Burtch said, “Choosing a college was by far the hardest decision I have ever had to make but after making an official visit to IWU, I fell in love. The coaches, players, and great Christian atmosphere quickly caught my interest, leaving me feeling that IWU was the place for me. I liked the idea of attending a smaller, close to home school where I knew I would quickly be able to fit in. I spoke with Coach Brooks and Coach Dobrik several times before making my decision and felt as though they understood what type of player I was and I felt they fit the type of coaches I would get along and be successful with. IWU is a place where I can see myself not only growing as an athlete but also as a person”.

“We are extremely excited about Steph’s decision to attend Indiana Wesleyan University ,” said head Coach Steve Brooks, “Steph is a player who we believe fits our program perfectly. First and foremost, by who she is as a person but also as a student and as an athlete. We believe that her best basketball is ahead of her. We are looking forward to the many contributions that Steph is going to make to the Lady Wildcat basketball program over the next four years”.

The IWU basketball team is currently 19-4 and ranked No. 12 in the country. A season ago, the Lady Wildcats completed a 38-0 season by winning the NAIA National Championship. Earlier this season, they broke an NAIA record for consecutive victories with 56.