Schneider Adds Forward to Roster, Signs Umeri for 2016-17

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas head women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider and his staff added graduate transfer Sydney Umeri to the Jayhawks’ roster, the first signee of 2016 for KU. As a graduate transfer, Umeri will be eligible to join Kansas on the hardwood next season and be able to play immediately.
 
Schneider added height to the roster with his first signee in the late signing period. Umeri, a 6-1 forward, comes to Allen Fieldhouse after a three-year career at Virginia. The Acworth, Georgia product will graduate with her undergraduate degree from Virginia in May.
 
“We are excited to add a player of Sydney’s character, work ethic and versatility to our program,” Schneider said. “She is a strong, athletic forward who possess both a back-to-the-basket and face up game. Her skill level and ability to play both inside and out make her a tough match-up.”

Umeri prepped at the Lovett School in Atlanta and helped the Lions to the 2012 Georgia Region 6AA championship. During her senior season of high school, Umeri was ranked No. 29 overall and the No. 9 forward in the 2013 recruiting class by ESPN’s HoopGurlz.

Umeri was a four time all-region selection, a two-time Atlanta Tipoff Club Jackie Bradford All-Metro Girls Honorable Mention and a 2013 McDonald’s All-America nominee. Additionally, Umeri won a gold medal with the 2011 USA Basketball’s U16 team at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mérida, Mexico.

“Sydney is terrific in transition and has the toughness to thrive on the defensive end,” said Schneider. “She is extremely active on the boards, she has terrific instincts and she doesn’t take plays off. We expect Sydney to impact our program in many positive ways in her final year of collegiate eligibility.”

During her three-year career at Virginia, Umeri started 40 games and appeared in 96 while averaging 19.6 minutes contest.

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