Steding Announces Four Newcomers To 2015-16 Squad
November 26, 2014 | Women's Basketball
BOSTON - Boston University women's basketball head coach Katy Steding announced four newcomers to the 2015-16 roster on Wednesday. Steding will add Milla Ekstrom, Payton Hauck, Lauren Spearman and Naiyah Thompson to the Terrier squad.
"We are very proud to welcome these four outstanding scholar-athletes into the Terrier Family," Steding said. "The addition of Naiyah, Lauren, Payton & Milla makes our staff's first recruiting class extremely athletic, skilled and versatile. We are so excited to see this group blend with our current squad and get ready for 2015-16!"
Steding, along with assistant coaches Cindy Blodgett, Stephanie Tobey and Taj McWilliams-Franklin, have found a group of athletes that excel both on the court and in the classroom, which will complement next year's returning student-athletes.
Milla Ekstrom | 6'5 Center | Turku, Finland - Turku's Classic High School
 Milla Ekstrom |
Ekstrom joins the Terriers from Finland and will be one of two international players on the squad next season, joining Clodagh Scannell (Cork, Ireland). She served as that captain of her club team, Turun Riento, and was chosen as the best junior player within her club.
"I chose Boston University because I want to become a better player and I know I can reach my full potential at BU with the help of my coaches and teammates," Ekstrom said. "I am also excited to be able to live in the City of Boston!"
STEDING ON EKSTROM
"Our staff was thrilled when Milla told us she wanted to be a Terrier," Steding said. "I can't say enough about what she can bring to our table--Milla runs the floor really well, can play inside or out, and is quick enough to defend out of the paint. She can stretch defenses with her 3 and put it on the floor, on top of using her length around the rim. Her abilities and skills will be an asset to our young group of posts."
 Payton Hauck |
Payton Hauck | 5'9 Guard | York, Pa. - Northeastern High School
A two year captain at Northeastern High School, Hauck enters her senior season having averaged 15 points per game last year. She was also named a Second-Team All-Star after her junior campaign. In addition to success on the court, Hauck has excelled in the classroom, being named to Northeastern High School's Distinguished Honor Roll for the last three years and is currently in the top-25 of her class.
"The elite coaching staff and their outgoing personalities attracted me to Boston University," Hauck said. "The team chemistry, the amazing academics and the City of Boston all added to my decision to join the Terriers."
STEDING ON HAUCK
"Payton is probably the most underrated and efficient guard we saw this summer," Steding said,. "She is fast, can play multiple positions and is a threat from anywhere, especially at three-point range. Then, quietly and confidently, she goes out and takes care of business. Payton is a terrific student and person who will be a joy to work with."
Lauren Spearman | 5'7 Guard | Los Angeles, Calif. - Marlborough School
 Lauren Spearman |
Spearman will cross the country to join the Terriers and brings to the table an impressive high school career. The captain of her team, Spearman was named League MVP and First-Team All-CIF twice in the last three seasons.
"Boston University's outstanding academics and amazing athletic program were two of the many reasons I decided to become a Terrier," Spearman said. "BU is also one of the few colleges that has the major I plan to pursue, athletic training and physical therapy."
STEDING ON SPEARMAN
"Lauren is such a great point guard," Steding said. "She brings a ton of energy and enthusiasm to the game and is able to push the temp so well. She comes from an excellent program and is so well coached that she has poise beyond her years. Lauren can score inside and out and will be a great leader on our team. I'm really looking forward to working with her!"
 Naiyah Thompson |
Naiyah Thompson | 5'11 Forward | Leonardtown, Md. - St. Mary's Ryken
A team captain since her sophomore season, Thompson comes to BU as a successful player and student. Named Second-Team All-County and WCAC Honorable Mention last season, Thompson has also had an impressive career in the classroom. Thompson is a member of the National Honor Society and was honored with the National Achievement Award for Black Americans after scoring in the top-three percent of all African-Americans on the PSAT.
"I chose BU because I knew that the team would be as academically-minded as I am," Thompson said. "I intend to go pre-med and the academic rigor and atmosphere of the university was a big factor for me."
STEDING ON THOMPSON
"Naiyah is a gifted, versatile young athlete," Steding said. "She is explosive off the bounce, a great rebounder and can really run the floor. From the moment we first talked, I knew that we were getting a real gem off the floor and in the classroom, too, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the Terrier Nation."
