PROVO -- BYU head coach Jeff Judkins announced that Utah Standout Kim Parker and Canadian Stephanie Vermunt have signed letters of intent to play basketball as Cougars.
“We’re excited to have these two outstanding student-athletes join our program,” said Judkins. “Both will fit in with our program and will be a big part of our team.”
Parker, a 5-11 guard/forward combo from Heber City, Utah and Wasatch High School, led the Wasps to the 3A state title last season. In her junior year, she averaged 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.9 steals and 2.0 blocks. She’s a two-time First Team All State and a two-time All-Region honoree and was named to last year’s State Championship All-Tournament Team.
“Kim is the best player out of the state of Utah and has been playing on a winning program,” added Judkins. “She’s a tough, solid player, a good rebounder and passer, shoots the ball well outside, and a versatile player.”
She’s also played for Utah Flight Basketball with current Cougar Jenteal Jackson. Parker has also lettered in soccer where she’s garnered All State and All Region honors and has been named to the High Honor Roll with a 3.9 GPA.
Canadian Stephanie Vermunt is from Airdrie, Alberta, Canada and prepped at Bert Church High School. The 6-0 forward has been a member of the NSD (National Sports Development) for the past two years. In July 2008 she was recognized as one of Canada’s top under 18 year old players. Vermunt was also part of the U18 Canada Junior Women’s National Team that qualified for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women. In August of 2008, she garnered NSD Athlete of the Month honors.
“Stephanie is a great outside shooter and will probably play 2 and 3 for us,” commented coach Judkins. “She can create her own shot, has good speed and will fit in well with our motion offense. And we’re excited about her international experience and what that will mean for our team.”
Vermunt, the reigning Miss Basketball Alberta, led the Canadian National Team to a second place finish and will represent her country in the 2009 World Championships hosted by Thailand in 2009.
She will be the third Canadian to wear the Cougar Blue. Fellow Canadian Kari Gallup played at BYU from 1995 to 1998 and was also from Airdrie, Alberta and Bert Church High School. Renae Hansen competed from 1996 to 2000 and hailed from Barnwell, Alberta and W.R. Myers High School.