University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Women's Basketball adds six in signing class
11/10/2021 4:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado Women's Basketball head coach Kristen Mattio has announced six talented signees that will each make their way to Greeley next fall. All six have been featured in All-Conference awards lists and the class also includes a state champion, a number of multi-sport athletes and numerous all-academic honorees.
"Our focus was to put stand-out players together that complement each other, our current team and our future," said Mattio. "In this class we have the size, offensive skill set and athleticism that will allow us to compete at the top of the Big Sky Conference. This signing class is the epitome of a student-athlete, they are unbelievable class acts and their work ethic and self-motivation will serve our program well both on and off the court. As with all recruiting classes, I am very proud when a young lady decides to attend the University of Northern Colorado and become a Bear."
Aniah Wayne
Aniah Wayne heads to Greeley after a prolific career at Omaha Central High School. Averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds during her junior season, the three-sport athlete will add a new dimension to the Northern Colorado offense. She boasts letters in both basketball and volleyball and also competes in Track and Field
Last season, Wayne led Central to a district championship and an eventual fourth-place finish in the Nebraska State Championships. Wayne was an All-State Academic honoree in 2018 and 2021 and has been a member of the honor roll each and every year at Central.
Wayne chose Northern Colorado over Central Missouri.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"We have watched Aniah develop into one of the top guards in the State of Nebraska. Aniah is one of the most efficient players we have seen in a while. She is steady in her approach to the game and can really get it going from the perimeter. In addition to her three-point shot, Aniah has a strong mid-range game and can attack the rim off the dribble. We love that she is a solid rebounder from the guard spot. It has been a joy to watch her growth and confidence explode as a player as she has taken the next steps to separate herself. Aniah represents everything we are looking for in a Bear both academically and athletically. Aniah was mentored by AAU coach Zach Isherwood with the Nebraska Attack. She also plays high school basketball for the outstanding coach Mike Kroupa. Our Bear fans will fall in love with her style of play!"
Meet Aniah
Hobbies/Interest: Listening to music, drawing, organizing
Favorite music/artist: Pop/Rap
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: The Hate U Give
Favorite TV show: All American or Grey's Anatomy
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: New York
Most influential people growing up: Parents
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan
Avery Bang
Parker, Colorado native Avery Bang won't have to travel far to find a home in Northern Colorado. In four years at Chaparral High School, Bang has lettered in every one. First Team All-League for each of the last two seasons, she was also All-State Honorable Mention in each of those as well.
Last season, Bang averaged 10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and swatted away 2.3 shots per contest.
Bears fans might recognize her cousin Dalton Knecht, who plays on the Northern Colorado Men's Basketball team.
Among the several institutions she chose UNC over include Nevada, Air Force, Denver and South Dakota.
What coach Mattio is Saying
Our lethal lefty! Avery is a versatile forward who can post up, shoot the 3, put it on the floor to score at the rim and make you pay from mid-range. With her long frame, guard-like skills and basketball IQ she will cause match-up issues for many teams. Avery is a player we really had our eye on most of the summer. She is consistent in how she shows up and her approach to the game! She has been coached and mentored by some of the best coaches in the state of Colorado and just knows how to win! She will be a vital part of our future success. Avery played AAU basketball for the 7-Time state champion Coach Caryn Jarocki and Colorado Basketball Club. She also was mentored by her high school Coach Tony Speights at Chaparral high school. We are excited to have her join the Bear family."
Meet Avery
Hobbies/Interest: I love to go fishing, on hikes, and play games with my family and friends.
Favorite music/artist: Country/Reba McEntire
Favorite food: Mac & cheese
Favorite movie: Jungle Cruise
Favorite TV show: Scooby Doo
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Belize
Most influential people growing up: My Mom and my coaches
Favorite athlete: Payton Bang
Lilah Moore
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Lilah Moore has been tearing up the competition in Phoenix, Arizona over the last four years. Moore averages 13.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals for Pinnacle High School.
A two-time State finalist and 28.5 nation champ, Moore was voted First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District four times. Not to mention, the 5'10" guard was named to the honor roll each of the last four years.
Athletic genes run in the family for the four-time letterwinner. Her dad Jeff played baseball at Northern Iowa and her sister Ellie is currently playing basketball at UCCS.
Moore chose UNC over Quinnipiac and Wofford.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"Lilah is a tough-nosed competitive guard that plays the game with a lot of passion! Her versatility on the court will allow us to use her in multiple positions. She is long and very disruptive on the defensive end. She also has the ability to make you pay off the bounce or shoot the three. Lilah's unwavering work ethic means the sky is the limit for her. You won't find a young lady more passionate and invested in her success on the court and in the classroom than Lilah. She sets the standard of excellence in both areas! Bear fans will really love the energy that she will bring to the court! Lilah has been mentored under Club and Highschool Coach Brian Porth."
Meet Lilah
Hobbies/Interest: Hanging out with my friends and staying active by swimming and hiking
Favorite music/artist: Country- Morgan Wallen
Favorite food: Barbecue ribs and sushi
Favorite movie: After
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Most influential people growing up: My parents and my older sister
Favorite athlete: Luka Doncic, Devin Booker
Gabrielle Fields
Lubbock, Texas native Gabrielle Fields brings a wealth of basketball talent and winning to the Northern Colorado roster. Each of the last two years, Fields has led her team to at least an Area Championship. Last season, the 3A State Tournament MVP led Brownfield High School to a State Championship.
Pouring in 17.4 points, pulling down 5.1 rebounds, dishing out 2.9 assists and dialing up 2.9 steals per contest last season, Field was recognized as the 3A Player of the Year, Lonestar Varsity Female Basketball Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year.
If her basketball prowess wasn't impressive enough, Field is no. 2 academically in her class and will already bring an associates of science degree with her to campus.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Gabi to our Bear family. Our Bear fans are going to love her intensity, passion and work ethic that she brings to the court! The past few years, we have had the privilege of watching Gabi grow and develop into a special player. Gabi is a WINNER! She understands what it takes to consistently compete at a high level. Gabi recently garnered MVP honors as she led her high school team to a Texas 3A State Championship and is currently ranked the 57th best player in the state of Texas! Gabi is a dynamic player that shoots the ball very well from the perimeter, has a great mid-range game and the speed to get to the rim! She is a true representation of a Bear both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Gabi has played high school basketball under the mentorship of Coach Michelle Wyatt. She also played AAU basketball with the very successful Coach Bryan Bennett and Team Lex-Breeze."
Meet Gabrielle
Hobbies/Interest: Aside from playing basketball I enjoy spending time with my family and getting my nails done
Favorite music/artist: I like all kinds of music from old classics to new pop
Favorite food: Pasta salad
Favorite movie: Pirates of the Caribbean movies
Favorite TV show: The Office
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: New Orleans
Most influential people growing up: My Parents
Favorite athlete: Lebron James
Jacy Weisbrod
Another multi-sport athlete, Jacy Weisbrod brings four letters in basketball, four in volleyball, one in soccer and one in track with her to Greeley. A First Team All-State selection in basketball, Weisbrod poured in 20 points per game, shooting a blistering 48 percent from long range at Aquinas High School.
Weisbrod's teams have played in the state championship in each of the last three seasons, capturing the title in 2019. To add to Weisbrod's accolades, she was voted First Team All-Tribune, AP All-State Honorable mention and has been on the All-Conference academic team in each of the last three seasons.
Among the several other schools that recruited Weisbrod, she chose UNC over Montana State, Wyoming and South Dakota.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"Jacy is an outstanding shooter from the perimeter. She is a smooth, scoring wing who can really make an immediate impact on the court with the way she will stretch a defense beyond the three-point line. She has a great feel for what is going on around her and she just knows how to play the game. Jacy has great court vision which will bode well with our selfless style of play. She is a competitor and has a very high basketball IQ. Jacy's academic and athletic accomplishments go on and on. Jacy played club basketball with Coach Michelle Peplinski and the Wisconsin Playmakers. She also played high school basketball for Coach Dave Donarski. Jacy will fit perfectly into our style of play."
Meet Jacy
Hobbies/Interest: Hiking, lifting
Favorite music/artist: Rap music
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Hannah Montana movie
Favorite TV show: All American
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Glacier National Park
Most influential people growing up: My mom and dad
Favorite athlete: Serena Williams
Aniah Hall
A post player that brings size and strength to the position, Aniah Hall heads to Greeley by way of Temple Texas. The 39th best player in the State of Texas was also Temple High School's offensive and defensive MVP.
Averaging 16 points, eight boards and three blocks per game, Hall has already picked up three varsity letters.
Hall chose Northern Colorado over Houston, Morgan State and North Texas.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"For several years, we have had the opportunity to watch Aniah grow her game into one of the top post players in the state of Texas. Aniah's natural force in the paint is special. Her physicality and power game are what we were looking for. She will provide a strong inside presence for us both offensively and defensively. Aniah is a mobile and athletic post player that will thrive not only in the paint but in the open court as well. Her strength of rebounding solidifies her control of the paint. She will flourish in our style of play. Aniah will really shine in our system and be a vital part of our future. Aniah is currently ranked the 39th best player in the state of Texas. Aniah played AAU basketball for Team Lex-Tarheels and Coach Rob Wright, one of the top AAU programs in Texas. She also played high school basketball for Coach Rashonta LeBlanc. We couldn't be more thrilled to have Aniah and her entire family join our Bear family."
Meet Aniah
Hobbies/Interest: Reading and watching tv
Favorite music/artist: Doja Cat
Favorite food: Bulgogi
Favorite movie: Scream 1
Favorite TV show: Emily in Paris
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Arkansas
Most influential people growing up: My mother and brother
Favorite athlete: Zia Cooke
To stay up to date on all things UNC Women's basketball, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new UNC Athletics app by clicking here.
"Our focus was to put stand-out players together that complement each other, our current team and our future," said Mattio. "In this class we have the size, offensive skill set and athleticism that will allow us to compete at the top of the Big Sky Conference. This signing class is the epitome of a student-athlete, they are unbelievable class acts and their work ethic and self-motivation will serve our program well both on and off the court. As with all recruiting classes, I am very proud when a young lady decides to attend the University of Northern Colorado and become a Bear."
Aniah Wayne
Aniah Wayne heads to Greeley after a prolific career at Omaha Central High School. Averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds during her junior season, the three-sport athlete will add a new dimension to the Northern Colorado offense. She boasts letters in both basketball and volleyball and also competes in Track and Field
Last season, Wayne led Central to a district championship and an eventual fourth-place finish in the Nebraska State Championships. Wayne was an All-State Academic honoree in 2018 and 2021 and has been a member of the honor roll each and every year at Central.
Wayne chose Northern Colorado over Central Missouri.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"We have watched Aniah develop into one of the top guards in the State of Nebraska. Aniah is one of the most efficient players we have seen in a while. She is steady in her approach to the game and can really get it going from the perimeter. In addition to her three-point shot, Aniah has a strong mid-range game and can attack the rim off the dribble. We love that she is a solid rebounder from the guard spot. It has been a joy to watch her growth and confidence explode as a player as she has taken the next steps to separate herself. Aniah represents everything we are looking for in a Bear both academically and athletically. Aniah was mentored by AAU coach Zach Isherwood with the Nebraska Attack. She also plays high school basketball for the outstanding coach Mike Kroupa. Our Bear fans will fall in love with her style of play!"
Meet Aniah
Hobbies/Interest: Listening to music, drawing, organizing
Favorite music/artist: Pop/Rap
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: The Hate U Give
Favorite TV show: All American or Grey's Anatomy
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: New York
Most influential people growing up: Parents
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan
Avery Bang
Parker, Colorado native Avery Bang won't have to travel far to find a home in Northern Colorado. In four years at Chaparral High School, Bang has lettered in every one. First Team All-League for each of the last two seasons, she was also All-State Honorable Mention in each of those as well.
Last season, Bang averaged 10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and swatted away 2.3 shots per contest.
Bears fans might recognize her cousin Dalton Knecht, who plays on the Northern Colorado Men's Basketball team.
Among the several institutions she chose UNC over include Nevada, Air Force, Denver and South Dakota.
What coach Mattio is Saying
Our lethal lefty! Avery is a versatile forward who can post up, shoot the 3, put it on the floor to score at the rim and make you pay from mid-range. With her long frame, guard-like skills and basketball IQ she will cause match-up issues for many teams. Avery is a player we really had our eye on most of the summer. She is consistent in how she shows up and her approach to the game! She has been coached and mentored by some of the best coaches in the state of Colorado and just knows how to win! She will be a vital part of our future success. Avery played AAU basketball for the 7-Time state champion Coach Caryn Jarocki and Colorado Basketball Club. She also was mentored by her high school Coach Tony Speights at Chaparral high school. We are excited to have her join the Bear family."
Meet Avery
Hobbies/Interest: I love to go fishing, on hikes, and play games with my family and friends.
Favorite music/artist: Country/Reba McEntire
Favorite food: Mac & cheese
Favorite movie: Jungle Cruise
Favorite TV show: Scooby Doo
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Belize
Most influential people growing up: My Mom and my coaches
Favorite athlete: Payton Bang
Lilah Moore
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Lilah Moore has been tearing up the competition in Phoenix, Arizona over the last four years. Moore averages 13.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals for Pinnacle High School.
A two-time State finalist and 28.5 nation champ, Moore was voted First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District four times. Not to mention, the 5'10" guard was named to the honor roll each of the last four years.
Athletic genes run in the family for the four-time letterwinner. Her dad Jeff played baseball at Northern Iowa and her sister Ellie is currently playing basketball at UCCS.
Moore chose UNC over Quinnipiac and Wofford.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"Lilah is a tough-nosed competitive guard that plays the game with a lot of passion! Her versatility on the court will allow us to use her in multiple positions. She is long and very disruptive on the defensive end. She also has the ability to make you pay off the bounce or shoot the three. Lilah's unwavering work ethic means the sky is the limit for her. You won't find a young lady more passionate and invested in her success on the court and in the classroom than Lilah. She sets the standard of excellence in both areas! Bear fans will really love the energy that she will bring to the court! Lilah has been mentored under Club and Highschool Coach Brian Porth."
Meet Lilah
Hobbies/Interest: Hanging out with my friends and staying active by swimming and hiking
Favorite music/artist: Country- Morgan Wallen
Favorite food: Barbecue ribs and sushi
Favorite movie: After
Favorite TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Most influential people growing up: My parents and my older sister
Favorite athlete: Luka Doncic, Devin Booker
Gabrielle Fields
Lubbock, Texas native Gabrielle Fields brings a wealth of basketball talent and winning to the Northern Colorado roster. Each of the last two years, Fields has led her team to at least an Area Championship. Last season, the 3A State Tournament MVP led Brownfield High School to a State Championship.
Pouring in 17.4 points, pulling down 5.1 rebounds, dishing out 2.9 assists and dialing up 2.9 steals per contest last season, Field was recognized as the 3A Player of the Year, Lonestar Varsity Female Basketball Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year.
If her basketball prowess wasn't impressive enough, Field is no. 2 academically in her class and will already bring an associates of science degree with her to campus.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Gabi to our Bear family. Our Bear fans are going to love her intensity, passion and work ethic that she brings to the court! The past few years, we have had the privilege of watching Gabi grow and develop into a special player. Gabi is a WINNER! She understands what it takes to consistently compete at a high level. Gabi recently garnered MVP honors as she led her high school team to a Texas 3A State Championship and is currently ranked the 57th best player in the state of Texas! Gabi is a dynamic player that shoots the ball very well from the perimeter, has a great mid-range game and the speed to get to the rim! She is a true representation of a Bear both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Gabi has played high school basketball under the mentorship of Coach Michelle Wyatt. She also played AAU basketball with the very successful Coach Bryan Bennett and Team Lex-Breeze."
Meet Gabrielle
Hobbies/Interest: Aside from playing basketball I enjoy spending time with my family and getting my nails done
Favorite music/artist: I like all kinds of music from old classics to new pop
Favorite food: Pasta salad
Favorite movie: Pirates of the Caribbean movies
Favorite TV show: The Office
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: New Orleans
Most influential people growing up: My Parents
Favorite athlete: Lebron James
Jacy Weisbrod
Another multi-sport athlete, Jacy Weisbrod brings four letters in basketball, four in volleyball, one in soccer and one in track with her to Greeley. A First Team All-State selection in basketball, Weisbrod poured in 20 points per game, shooting a blistering 48 percent from long range at Aquinas High School.
Weisbrod's teams have played in the state championship in each of the last three seasons, capturing the title in 2019. To add to Weisbrod's accolades, she was voted First Team All-Tribune, AP All-State Honorable mention and has been on the All-Conference academic team in each of the last three seasons.
Among the several other schools that recruited Weisbrod, she chose UNC over Montana State, Wyoming and South Dakota.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"Jacy is an outstanding shooter from the perimeter. She is a smooth, scoring wing who can really make an immediate impact on the court with the way she will stretch a defense beyond the three-point line. She has a great feel for what is going on around her and she just knows how to play the game. Jacy has great court vision which will bode well with our selfless style of play. She is a competitor and has a very high basketball IQ. Jacy's academic and athletic accomplishments go on and on. Jacy played club basketball with Coach Michelle Peplinski and the Wisconsin Playmakers. She also played high school basketball for Coach Dave Donarski. Jacy will fit perfectly into our style of play."
Meet Jacy
Hobbies/Interest: Hiking, lifting
Favorite music/artist: Rap music
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Hannah Montana movie
Favorite TV show: All American
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Glacier National Park
Most influential people growing up: My mom and dad
Favorite athlete: Serena Williams
Aniah Hall
A post player that brings size and strength to the position, Aniah Hall heads to Greeley by way of Temple Texas. The 39th best player in the State of Texas was also Temple High School's offensive and defensive MVP.
Averaging 16 points, eight boards and three blocks per game, Hall has already picked up three varsity letters.
Hall chose Northern Colorado over Houston, Morgan State and North Texas.
What Coach Mattio is Saying
"For several years, we have had the opportunity to watch Aniah grow her game into one of the top post players in the state of Texas. Aniah's natural force in the paint is special. Her physicality and power game are what we were looking for. She will provide a strong inside presence for us both offensively and defensively. Aniah is a mobile and athletic post player that will thrive not only in the paint but in the open court as well. Her strength of rebounding solidifies her control of the paint. She will flourish in our style of play. Aniah will really shine in our system and be a vital part of our future. Aniah is currently ranked the 39th best player in the state of Texas. Aniah played AAU basketball for Team Lex-Tarheels and Coach Rob Wright, one of the top AAU programs in Texas. She also played high school basketball for Coach Rashonta LeBlanc. We couldn't be more thrilled to have Aniah and her entire family join our Bear family."
Meet Aniah
Hobbies/Interest: Reading and watching tv
Favorite music/artist: Doja Cat
Favorite food: Bulgogi
Favorite movie: Scream 1
Favorite TV show: Emily in Paris
Most interesting place you've ever traveled: Arkansas
Most influential people growing up: My mother and brother
Favorite athlete: Zia Cooke
To stay up to date on all things UNC Women's basketball, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new UNC Athletics app by clicking here.
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