Jayhawk Women's Basketball Program Signs Three Student-Athletes

April 12, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. —

University of Kansas head coach Bonnie Henrickson announced Thursday three student-athletes have signed their National Letter of Intent with KU. The three freshmen will suit up for the Jayhawks beginning in the 2007-08 season.

Among the signees are 6-foot-5 forward Krysten Boogaard out of Regina, Saskatchewan, 6-foot-2 forward Nicollette Smith from Tulsa, Okla., and 5-foot-8 guard Chakeitha Weldon from Atlanta, Ga.

“Positionally we met our needs with this year’s recruiting class,” Henrickson said. “They bring size, speed and athleticism that you need in the Big 12. When we were at our best down the stretch last season, our transition numbers were very good and that’s the style we want to play. These three players fit that style.”

Krysten BoogaardF6-5Regina, Saskatchewan (Canadian National Elite Development Academy/Archbishop M.C. O’Neill HS) Nicollette
SmithF6-2Tulsa, Okla. (Bishop Kelley HS) Chakeitha WeldonG5-8Atlanta, Ga. (Mays HS)

Krysten Boogaard
6-5, Forward
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canadian National Elite Development Academy/Archbishop M.C. O’Neill HS

As one of the top prospects in Canada, she was one of 12 Canadians chosen as part of the inaugural class at Canada Basketball’s National Elite Development Academy in Hamilton, Ontario in 2006 … Currently averaging 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks at NEDA where she’s coached by Christine Stapleton … Led the Canadian Junior National Team to the silver medal last summer at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. … Named MVP, Best Defensive Player and Athlete of the Year during her career at Archbishop M.C. O’Neill High School prior to attending the NEDA … Was a Regina League All-Star participant … Has three older brothers: Derek, Ryan and Aaron … Derek plays for the NHL’s Minnesota Wild while Aaron plays in the Western Hockey League … Pronounced KA-wrist-EN BOO-guard.

Henrickson on Boogaard:
“Krysten brings the size both offensively and defensively that we need in the Big 12. She is a very skilled player who runs the floor very well, not just for a player of her size, but for anyone. She’s been out of high school for a year and for a young lady her size we feel that is a positive for her as far as her physical growth and maturity. Another year competing will help her during her freshman year.”

Nicollette Smith
6-2, Forward
Tulsa, Okla.
Bishop Kelley HS
A four-year starter at Bishop Kelley High in Tulsa, Okla. … Averaged 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds during her senior season for the Comets while earning Metro Lakes Conference MVP, second team all-state and Tulsa World First Team All-Metro accolades … Also named Oklahoma Girls Basketball Association and Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State … Coached by Jana Hardgrave … Career stats include 1,485 points, 627 rebounds, 205 steals, 186 assists and 151 blocks … A career 49 percent shooter from the field, 34 percent from beyond the 3-point arc and 79 percent from the free throw line … Four-time Metro Lakes Conference First Team selection … Twice named team captain … McDonald’s All-American nominee … Played AAU for the Tulsa Swoosh … Pronounced NICK-oh-let Smith.

Henrickson on Smith:
“Nicollette is a very skilled player and a fantastic three point shooter. She’s a young lady with great size for her position who shoots the ball quick from beyond the three-point arc. She’ll space the defense and teams will have to guard her from outside, even in transition.”

Chakeitha Weldon
5-8, Guard
Atlanta, Ga.
Mays HS
Averaged 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals during her senior season at Mays High in Atlanta, Ga. … Also shot 87 percent from the free throw line … Named first team all-city, second team all-state and an Atlanta City All-Star … McDonald’s All-American nominee … Played her freshman, sophomore and junior years at Tri-Cities High School where she averaged 15, 18 and 22 points per game, respectively … Scored 1,375 points in three season at Tri-Cities … Earned second team all-state as a junior and first team all-region as a sophomore and freshman … Pronounced CHA-keith-ah WELL-done.

Henrickson on Weldon:
“She brings athleticism at both the point and shooting guard positions like Shaq Mosley did. She’s a capable scorer who will grow to be a very good defensive player. Her athleticism will allow her to be good on both ends of the floor. She’s able to push to ball in transition like we want to and she’s a good passer and unselfish kid.”