MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State women's basketball head coach Emilee Thiesse is pleased to announce the signing of five players -  Joey Batt, Carah Drees, Shea Fuller, Lindsey Olson, and Hailey Wallis – who will join the Mavericks for the 2019-20 season.

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

"We couldn't be more excited about the addition of these five student-athletes to our Maverick family," Thiesse said. "They play with a great deal of toughness and have an incredible work ethic. Their diverse skills complement each other and our current team well. We are excited about the future of our program."

Joey Batt is a 5'5 guard from New Ulm, Minn.  In her three years on varsity, the Eagles have advanced in the playoffs, won a conference championship and earned two 20-win seasons.  Batt surpassed 1,000 points during a junior season that saw her score 701 total points and average 25.9 points per game while shooting 40% from the 3-point line.  An all-state and all-conference selection, Joey was also named the class of 2019 Minnesota AAU Player of the Year.  In addition, she participates in softball and track and is a member of the New Ulm Student Council and National Honor Society.  Joey is the daughter of Brian and Laura Batt.
 
Coach Thiesse's comments:
"Joey has the ability to raise the level of play of those around her by her energy and leadership. She is a fierce competitor and her effort is contagious. She will fit perfectly in our system with her up-tempo style and grittiness on both ends of the court."

Carah Drees, a three-time all-conference selection is a 6'1 forward from Sloan, Iowa. During her junior season, Drees passed the 1,000 point mark and averaged 20.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 7.7 blocks per game for Westwood Community High School.  An All-State performer, she also led her team to two regular season championships and one runner-up finish in the Western Valley Conference.  In addition, she participates in volleyball and track and field and is a member of the Westwood Student Council and National Honor Society.  Carah is the daughter of Matt and Jennifer Drees and plans to pursue a career in medicine.
 
Coach Thiesse's comments:
"Carah will bring depth in the post position next season. She has the unique ability as an inside player to score in the paint and on the perimeter. Her rebounding presence is going to help us on both ends of the floor."
 
Shea Fuller, a 5'7 guard from West Des Moines, Iowa was a member of the Valley High School 2017 State Championship basketball team.  As a captain her junior year, Fuller was named second team All-State, second team All-Conference, and first team All-Region, while averaging 16.0 points per game and shooting 43% from the floor, and 42% from three-point range.  Shea was also a member of the volleyball team that qualified for state in each of the last two seasons.  She is a three-time academic all-conference selection and is the daughter of Tim and Julie Fuller.
 
Coach Thiesse comments:
"Shea will be a huge asset to our back court. She has incredible court vision and a great knack for creating shots for herself and others. Her talent and high basketball IQ will make her invaluable as she joins our program next season."
 
Lindsey Olson, a two-time all-conference selection is a 6'0 wing from St. Louis Park, Minn. She averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field as a junior.  At St. Louis Park High School, the two-time captain and three-year starter has earned her team's Offensive Player of Year award three times. The daughter of Minnesota State alums, Curt and Trisha Olson, Lindsey is on pace to surpass the 1,000-point milestone this season.
 
Coach Thiesse's comments:
"Lindsey adds good length on the perimeter and a great deal of versatility in the wing spot. She can stretch the floor with her size and ability to shoot the ball. She will be a difficult match-up in our offense." 
 
Hailey Wallis, a 5'9 guard from Grundy Center, Iowa has helped lead her team to three consecutive conference championships.  As an All-State selection her junior season, she averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game for Grundy Center High School as they finished 2^nd in class 2A.  Hailey is also a four-year letter winner and All-State selection for the Spartan volleyball team.  A three-time Academic All-Conference selection, she is currently ranked #1 in her class and is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Senate.  Hailey is the daughter of Brian and Laurie Wallis and plans to pursue a career in graphic design. 
 
Coach Thiesse's comments:
"Hailey will be an important perimeter threat for us. She is true shooter with deep range. She really knows how to score the ball and her athleticism will provide a great spark for us when she puts the ball on the floor."
 

Name	Pos.	Height	Hometown/High School
Joey Batt	G	5-5	New Ulm, Minn./ New Ulm
Carah Drees	F	6-1	Sloan, Iowa / Westwood Community
Shea Fuller	G	5-7	West Des Moines, Iowa/ West Des Moines Valley
Lindsey Olson	G	6-0	St. Louis Park, Minn./ St. Louis Park
Hailey Wallis	G	5-9	Grundy Center, Iowa/ Grundy Center