MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State women's basketball head coach Emilee Thiesse has announced the signing of Tyra Boettcher, Kristi Fett, Rylee Menster, Mikayla Nachazel, and Anna Wanek to letters of intent to join the Mavericks next fall.

All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

"The future of Maverick basketball is very bright with the addition of Tyra, Kristi, Rylee, Mikayla, and Anna," Thiesse said. "These five student-athletes bring a great deal of athleticism and versatility and we can't wait to see the mark they will leave in our program." 

A 5-10 guard out of Boyceville, Wis., Boettcher is a member of the Menomonie High School girl's basketball team that finished second in the Big Rivers Conference during her junior season. Boettcher netted 335 points in her junior season and averaged 12.9 points per contest. She was named to the All-Conference First Team and All-Great Northwest Second Team during her junior campaign. Additionally, Boettcher participates in cross country and track & field where she is a All-Conference performer. 

"Tyra has the size and toughness that we love in our wing spot," Thiesse said. "Her length is such an asset which makes her a fantastic defender and rebounder.  She is a multi-dimensional player that can find an opportunity to score in a variety of ways and will fit perfectly in our system."

A 6-5 center from Glenville, Minn., Fett is a member of the Lyle Public School girl's basketball team that has won the Minnesota Southeast Conference the last three seasons. Fett averaged a double-double in her junior season with 16.5 points per game and 11 rebounds per contest. She was also named to the All-Conference Team, Athletic Academic All-Conference Team and was named the team captain in her junior season. Additionally, Felt holds school records for most blocks in a game and most blocks in a season. 

''Kristi gives us the great size and a physical presence that is important to compete in our league," said Thiesse. "She has a great presence in and around the paint and her ability to alter shots and rebound the ball is going to help us immensely.  We've never had a player with Kristi's size and we are very excited about what she will bring to our inside game."  

A 5-6 guard out of Springville, Iowa, Menster is a member of the Springville High School girl's basketball team that finished second in Tri-Rivers West Conference last season and won the 1A State Championship during her sophomore and junior seasons. Menster averaged 18 points per game and created 171 steals in her junior season which ranked first in the state. She was also named First Team All-State, unanimous Tri-Rivers West First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, and Cedar Rapids Gazette All-Area in her junior campaign. A multi-sport athlete, Menster is the 2017 1A state long jump champion and a member of the volleyball team which is making its third consecutive trip to the state tournament.

"Rylee will be a huge asset to our back court," said Thiesse. "She is a phenomenal athlete and that makes her such a dynamic player on both ends of the court. She is so explosive and can lock players down defensively, while also using that burst to lead the break and attack in transition."

A 5-11 forward from Central City, Iowa, Nachazel is a member of the Springville High School girl's basketball team that finished second in the Tri-Rivers West Conference last season and won the 1A State Championship during her sophomore and junior seasons. While averaging 18 points and six rebounds per game, she was tabbed the 1A Iowa Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year, First Team All-State, All-District, and was a unanimous Tri-Rivers West First Team All-Conference selection. Additionally, Nachazel is a member of the state-qualifying volleyball team and participates in softball and track and field.

"Mikayla is a high energy player and a great competitor," Thiesse said.  "She has great versatility in the forward position, and her strength and athleticism will bring a great presence in the paint.  She has such a huge upside and we can't wait to see her impact in our program."

A 5-8 guard out of Urbandale, Iowa, Wanek is a member of the Dowling Catholic High School girl's basketball team that earned a trip to the state tournament and finished first in the Central Iowa Metropolitan League during her junior campaign. She netted 11.3 points per contest and shot 52.3% from the field. Wanek claimed Second Team All-Conference in her junior season to go along with being named team captain during both her junior and senior seasons. 

''Anna is a versatile guard that has competed at a very high level and knows what it takes to have success," said Thiesse. "She has the ability to raise the level of play of those around her by her energy and leadership.  She is excellent at creating for herself and others and we look for her to be a great off-guard for us."  

Minnesota State opens its season on Friday against Washburn in Kansas City, Mo., at the Central Region Challenge. Tip-off is set for 6:45 p.m. 

 

Name	Pos.	Height	Hometown/High School
Tyra Boettcher	G	5-10	Boyceville, Wis./Menomonie
Kristi Fett	C	6-5	Glenville, Minn./Lyle Public School
Rylee Menster	G	5-6	Springville, Iowa/Springville
Mikayla Nachazel	F	5-11	Central City, Iowa / Springville
Anna Wanek	G	5-8	Urbandale, Iowa / Dowling Catholic