ABILENE – ACU women's basketball head coach
Julie Goodenough announced Thursday that five players signed their national letters-of-intent for the 2020-21 season. With five seniors on this year's roster, the task was not only to fill in numbers but to fill in talent and character. It's about more than just basketball. It's about being an ACU Wildcat.
Paige Emborsky, Katie Horyna, Hannah Matthews, Taylor Morgan, and Alice Stevenson will become the next group of Wildcats next fall.
"Recruiting always begins with identifying talented players who can have success in our style of play," said Coach Goodenough. "Once we determine that yes, they can play for us, we then do research through their coaches, families, teachers and social media to determine if they would thrive in our family oriented, Christian environment at ACU."
"We are graduating five tremendous players in our own 2020 class, so this signing class is critical to our program's continued success. I believe we have signed exactly what we need with this group today. They bring combined basketball skill sets and character traits which will enable them to become awesome Wildcats."
Paige Emborsky | 5-7 | G | Lockport, N.Y. | Newfane HS | Niagara County CC
Career Highlights – Niagara County CC
- Helped Niagara County CC to a 31-2 overall record, including a 31-0 regular season, and the school's first-ever Region III championship, which resulted in a trip to the NJCAA Division II national tournament
- Scored 530 points for an average of 16.1 per game, and started all 33 games
- Connected on 122 three-pointers (at 42%), which ranked second in the country among NJCAA Division II players
- Named Second Team All-Region III
- No. 47 in the World Exposure Report JUCO Rankings
Career Highlights – Newfane HS
- Played varsity basketball at Newfane HS from eighth grade to her senior year
- Tallied 1,498 career points, and was named First Team All-League her final three years
- Named Second Team All-Western New York as a senior, and won the Niagara-Orleans League Player of the Year that same season
- Was a member of the National Honor Society
Personal
- Given name is Paige Elizabeth Emborsky
- Born January 18, 2000
- Daughter of John Emborsky and Shannon Emborsky
- Plans to major in communications
- Father, John, played basketball at Hilbert College
- Sister, Allison, was on the women's golf team at Niagara University
- Great niece of former Michigan Wolverines head men's basketball coach and current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein
Why ACU?
"I chose ACU because I knew that I would receive a great education while also being a part of a championship level team. When I visited campus, I knew ACU was the place for me and it already felt like my home away from home."
Nate Beutel, Niagara County Community College Head Coach
"I've never had a player that is as passionate about her craft as Paige is. She has a relentless work ethic and has truly earned this opportunity. I've been blessed to work with her these last few years and look forward to watcher her continue to grow under the wonderful coaching staff at ACU."
Head Coach Julie Goodenough
"Coach [Erik] DeRoo spotted Paige last summer at a junior college event. She is a fierce competitor and one of the best three-point shooters in the nation among all NJCAA II players. All she has ever done is be a winner in her career, so we will rely on her leadership and maturity to assist the rest of this class in their transition into becoming college players."
Katie Horyna | 5-9 | G | Liberal, Kan. | Liberal HS
Career Highlights – Liberal HS
- Has guided her team to three league championships, and three sub-state finals, including a trip to the state tournament in 2017-18
- Named First Team All-Conference twice, and First Team All-State as a sophomore
- Named Second Team All-State as a junior
- No. 217 on the World Exposure 2020 Report Rankings
- Named WAC MVP as a junior
- Averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists for her career
- Tallied a career-best 27 points on a perfect 11-for-11 as a junior
- State qualifier in track and field, cross country, and golf
- Member of the National Honor Society
- 4.0 GPA and a spot on the Superintendent's Honor Roll every semester
Personal
- Given name is Katie Marie Horyna
- Born April 4, 2002
- Daughter of Brett and Holli Horyna
- Plans to major in kinesiology
- Uncle, Eric, was an all-american linebacker at Emporia State University
Why ACU?
"I am excited to be a student athlete at ACU, because I know this amazing staff will help me become the best player, teammate, and person I can be. I am eager to grow in my faith and have support while doing so. I love everything about ACU. It is the perfect fit for me."
Carter Kruger, Liberal High School Head Coach
"Katie brings an infectious enthusiasm and work ethic to any team she is on. She can score at a high level and has the versatility to play multiple positions on the perimeter effectively. With all that said, Katie is an even better person and will be a great addition to the ACU community."
Head Coach Julie Goodenough
"We saw Katie for the first time last spring and just loved her game, her quiet swagger, and leadership on the court. Her ability to make everyone around her better will allow her to play a couple of positions for us. She is such a well-rounded athlete who also excels in track, dance, and golf. This is another guard who can really get to the rim on drives but is also a really good three-point shooter as well."
Hannah Matthews | F | 6-2 | Centerville, Texas | Centerville HS
Career Highlights – Centerville HS
- Helped guide Centerville to an 86-25 record over the last three seasons
- Named First Team All-District as a sophomore and junior
- Named All-Region during her junior campaign
- Named Academic All-State four times
- Played volleyball as well, and was named First Team All-District
- On the track, she was an area champion in the 4x400 relay and earned a spot in the regionals as a sophomore and junior
- President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Centerville
- Ranks No. 3 in her class academically
Personal
- Given name is Hannah Abbagail Matthews
- Born Feb. 1, 2002
- Daughter of Darrell and Jannis Matthews
- Plans to major in nursing
Why ACU?
"I am humbled to be able to play for a coaching staff, team, and university that is committed to faith, family, and my future. After returning from ACU's elite camp I opened my Bible to lean on God's direction; the first verse I read, Daniel 5:7, said, "You will be clothed in purple." In that moment, I knew I was on the right path. I've also had the chance to meet my future teammates, and they are totally awesome! I am really looking forward to growing my game and walk with God. Go Purple and White!"
Anthony Dickson, Centerville High School Head Coach
"Hannah is the most hard-working kid that I have coached in any sport. Her dedication to improving her game is second to none. She is a gym rat who is constantly asking for the gym to be opened on the weekends and staying late for practice multiple times a week. I am excited to see how much her game grows when she has daily workouts with her position coaches. Hannah is great at leading by example. There will not be a player that outworks her on any given day in practice. She is an outstanding student, a great leader, and an even better person."
Head Coach Julie Goodenough
"With Lexi [Kirgan] and Lexie [Ducat] graduating, signing a true back-to-the-basket post player was a huge priority in this class. Hannah already has a solid foundation as a low-post player which will allow her to excel in our system. She is such a hard worker on the court who bullies players into the position that she wants. Her relentless rebounding habits will also benefit our style of play."
Taylor Morgan | 5-7 | G | Fort Worth, Texas | Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School
Career Highlights – Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School
- Named the TAPPS District 1 Offensive Player of the Year as a junior
- Named First Team All-District, All-State, Academic All-District and Academic All-State
- Named TABC All-Region as a freshman and sophomore
- Named Star Telegram Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, and named to the Star Telegram All-Area Team as a sophomore
Personal
- Given name is Taylor Leigh Morgan
- Born Oct. 27, 2001
- Daughter of Amanda and Tommie Morgan
- Plans to major in nursing
Why ACU?
"I chose ACU because of the relationships I build with the coaches and players. I love that it is a family-oriented environment. I believe ACU is the best play for me to grow on and off the court."
Tracey Stellato, All Saints Episcopal School Head Coach
"Taylor is an exceptional competitor, probably one of the best I have ever coached. She has done an amazing job of helping to establish a culture of success here at All Saints in just two short years. I have no doubts about Taylor's success at the next level because she brings it every day."
Head Coach Julie Goodenough
"We have been recruiting Taylor her entire high school career. She may be small in stature, but she is huge in leadership, toughness, and team mentality. Her ability to break defenders down and find open teammates is incredible. If you combine all that with her sharp shooting, it makes her so tough to guard. Taylor also wants the ball in her hands in the big moments."
Alice Stevenson | 5-10 | F | Perkins, Okla. | Perkins-Tryon HS
Career Highlights – Perkins-Tryon HS
- Named Most Valuable Player
- Helped guide Perkins-Tryon to a 23-4 record as a junior
- Named to the Vype Top 100 list
- No. 231 on the World Exposure Report Rankings
- No. 250 on the Dan Olson Top 250
- A standout in track and field as well, earning a spot at state in the 800m relay
- Earned a spot at state in the 206 and 2017 seasons on the golf course as well
- Member of the National Honor Society
Personal
- Given name is Alice Elaina Stevenson
- Born Nov. 8, 2001
- Daughter of Eric Stevenson and Jennifer Stevenson
- Plans to major in kinesiology
- Father, Eric, played football at Oklahoma State from 1996-99
Why ACU?
"The thing that really attracted me to ACU is the atmosphere the university offers. It is filled with friendly people who are all there for the same reason. I'm from a small town and the size of campus is perfect for me. I love the fact that I get to play basketball while learning more about our Lord and Savior. I expect to meet my lifelong friends, become educated in the career of my choice, and receive a couple of rings as well!"
Jerry Burnett, Perkins-Tryon High School Head Coach
"We are anticipating a great year for Alice. We have watched her grow into a great person, student, and player, and we are excited about her future with Abilene Christian. She has many young ones at our school that look up to her and she will be missed. The Lady Demons wish her nothing but the best in her future."
Head Coach Julie Goodenough
"I have wanted to coach Alice from the first time I watched her in a Swarm uniform. She is a fearless player who can score on drives, post ups, and from the perimeter. She is difficult to contain because of her high basketball IQ and deceptive moves. She is such a smooth player on offense that at the end of the game she will have scored 20 points and your like, 'When did that happen?'"
