SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University head women's basketball coach Julie Kaufman announced today that nine student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play basketball for the Rams in 2024-25. Among the group are five freshmen and four transfers.

The five freshmen are Trysten Colburn (Frederick, Md./Linganore),  Corin Edsell (Winchester, Va./John Handley), Lamaria Estridge (Walkersville, Md./St. Andrew's Episcopal),  Makenna Painter (Woodstock, Va./Central), and Trinity Turner (Germantown, Md./Clarksburg).

Colburn, a 5-11 guard/forward, did not play as a senior. She gained first team All-Area honors as a junior when she averaged 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Kaufman on Colburn
"Trysten is a wing that knows how to finish! She plays with heart and tenacity inside.  She will help strengthen our rebounding and transition play.  She is working hard coming off of ACL surgery and I am excited to see her progression here at Shepherd."

Edsell, a 5-7 guard, lettered four years in basketball and two in soccer at John Handley. She earned All-District honors in soccer and All-Region honors in basketball. Edsell was an honorable mention All-State selection. She averaged 16.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 5.1 steals for the Judges.

Kaufman on Edsell
"Corin is a guard who can score inside and out. She plays hard and with passion all the time.  I am super excited to have another local kid on our roster."  

Estridge, a 5-11 forward, lettered four years in basketball at St. Andrew's Episcopal. A team captain, Estridge averaged 13.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks.

Kaufman on Estridge
"Lamaria is a player who will help at the wing.  She can score inside off the drive, cuts well to the basket, and isn't afraid to make contact on finishes.  She is one who I am excited to see how she progresses in our system as I feel she can help out!"

Painter, a 5-11 forward, garnered All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors in basketball for Central. She averaged 18 points, 16 rebounds, and three steals.

Kaufman on Painter
"Makenna is one of the best rebounders I have ever seen. She is strong and isn't afraid to use her strength inside.  She has a huge upside to help us inside the paint this season. I am enthusiastic to work with her and see how she progresses throughout the years."
 
Turner, a 5-5 guard, helped lead Clarksburg win the 2024 Maryland 4A State Championship. She helped lead the Coyotes to a 25-3 overall mark.

Kaufman on Turner
"Trinity was a state champion point/combo guard for a Maryland high school.  She is a quick guard who will help us play faster this year.  She has been working hard this summer and is ready to help push our team to the next level."

The four transfers joining the Rams are sophomore forward  Jenna Liska (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty/Frostburg State), sophomore guard Samiyah Nasir (Gwynn Oak, Md./Howard/College of Saint Rose), junior guard Kelly Ours (Hedgesville, W.Va./Hedgesville/WVU Potomac State), and junior forward Leah Snisky (Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe Area/Georgian Court).

Liska, a 6-0 forward, joins the Rams after playing at Frostburg State. She lettered three years in basketball and volleyball at Liberty High School. She was a two-time All-County choice in basketball and volleyball. She was named Carroll County Player of the Year for basketball as a senior. She averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists in her senior season. Liska averaged three points and two rebounds at Frostburg State last season.

Kaufman on Liska
"Jenna was a kid who I recruited when I got to Shepherd but didn't have enough time to solidify her commitment. I feel she is a great fit for our team as she brings a post presence that will help with rebounding and spreading the floor. I am excited for her as I know she has been working out and is ready for this new opportunity!"  

Nasir, a 5-8 guard, comes to the Rams after playing at College of Saint Rose. She was named 2023 Defensive Player of the Year at Howard High School. Nasir was a member of the 2023 State Champion team at Howard. She helped the Golden Knights reach the first round of the NCAA II Tournament last season.

Kaufman on Nasir
"Samiyah only comes from programs that know how to win! She played for a state championship HS, a high-level AAU program, and for a college that went to the NCAA's her freshman year. She knows the dedication and hard work it takes to build a winning program and will help our team understand how to raise our level of play."  
Ours, a 5-7 guard, lettered four years in basketball at Hedgesville. She was a second team All-EPAC choice as a junior and a first team All-EPAC honoree as a senior. She averaged 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals for the Eagles. She transferred to Shepherd from WVU Potomac State. She averaged 13.2 points with a 37 percent three-point field goal percentage for the Catamounts.

Kaufman on Ours
"Kelly is a local kid who brings a huge family and friend support system to our team!  She has a quick shot and great length to help us out. She has an awesome personality, and I am excited to have her join our program."  

Snisky, a 6-1 forward, comes to Shepherd after competing at Georgian Court. She was a four-year letterwinner and a two-time team captain at Jim Thorpe Area. Snisky earned first team Times News and second team Republican Herald honors. She is a transfer from Georgian Court where she averaged 3.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists.

Kaufman on Snisky
"Leah comes to us from New Jersey! She played in a great high school program, has two years of experience at the D2 level, and is eager about this new opportunity at Shepherd.  She will bring a lot of leadership on and off the court and will fit nicely into our team dynamics."  
 
2024-25 Shepherd Women's Basketball Recruiting Class
Name                                                   Height    Position                   Hometown/High School/Previous School
Trysten Colburn                                   5-11           G/F                         Frederick, Md./Linganore
Corin Edsell                                          5-7            G                            Winchester, Va./John Handley
Lamaria Estridge                                 5-11            F                            Walkersville, Md./St. Andrew's Episcopal
Jenna Liska                                          6-0            F                             Eldersburg, Md./ Liberty/Frostburg State
Samiyah Nasir                                     5-8             G                            Gwynn Oak, Md./Howard/College of Saint Rose
Kelly Ours                                             5-7            G                            Hedgesville, W.Va./Hedgesville/WVU Potomac State
Makenna Painter                                 5-11            F                             Woodstock, Va./Central
Leah Snisky                                          6-1            F                             Jim Thorpe, Pa./Jim Thorpe Area/Georgian Court
Trinity Turner                                        5-5            G                             Germantown, Md./Clarksburg