SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University head women's basketball coach Julie Kaufman has announced that five student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play for the Rams in 2025-26.
 
Freshmen Ryleigh Adams (Davidsonville, Md./South River), Valerie Blankensbhip (Lovettsville, Va./Woodgrove), Vilte Kacerausaite (Waldorf, Md./Saint Mary's Ryken), and Summer Shackelford (Amissville, Va./Highland School) join junior transfer Grace Middleton (Leesburg, Va./Tuscarora/Frostburg State) in the recruiting class.
 
Adams, a 5-10 guard/forward, lettered four years in basketball and three in volleyball at South River. She was a team captain and played on the 2025 3A state champion team. Adams averaged 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks for her career.
 
Kaufman on Adams
 
"Ryleigh brings a jack of all trades type skill set to our team.  She can shoot it, she can drive it some, and she can score it inside.  She is coming off an injury from the high school season but seems to be rehabbing and getting better as the days go by!" 
 
Blankenship, a 5-10 forward, lettered in basketball and also played junior varsity softball at Woodgrove. She gained first team All-District and  All-Region honors and received the Coaches Award in 2023-24. Blankenship gained numerous honors as a senior, including Catoctin District Player of the Year, first team All-Region, Region Player of the Year, first team All-State, and honorable mention All-Met accolades. She grabbed more than 500 rebounds and averaged 9.7 points over her career.
 
Kaufman on Blankenship
 
"Val brings encouragement and communication to our team as she will sit this year with an injury sustained during her high school season.  We are excited to have her here and have high hopes for her!" 
 
Kacerausaite, a 6-1 forward, is original from Lithuania and played on the Lithuanian 18U team. She played three years at McLean (Va.) High School before transferring to St. Mary's Ryken for her senior year. She averaged 10 points and five rebounds as a team captain at St. Mark Ryken. Kacerausaite played in the Delaware-Maryland All-Star Game.
 
Kaufman on Kacerausaite
 
"V is a long wing who will spread the floor for us as she can shoot it and score inside. Her length and skill set will be extremely helpful.  We are excited to see how she performs this season!"
 
Shackelford, a 6-0 forward, lettered in basketball and volleyball at Highland School. She earned first team All-State, first team All-Region, and first team All-District honors in basketball. Shackelford gained similar honors in volleyball. She averaged 21.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.2 blocks as a senior.
 
Kaufman on Shackelford
 
"Summer is a tall and solid stretch forward.  She knows how to use her body inside to score and defend.  She can also shoot it, and that will help us spread the floor for our dribble drive. She seems ready to go with eagerness!"  
 
Middleton, a 5-6 guard, lettered four years in basketball and two in track and field at Tuscarora. She was a four-year starter in basketball. Middleton was named Region and District Player of the Year as a senior. She garnered first team All-State honors as she led her team to a district and regional championship in her senior year. Middleton is a transfer from Frostburg State.
 
Kaufman on Middleton
 
"Grace brings a lot of speed and good decision making to our point guard position. She will be able to run and speed our team up while facilitating. She is a great defender and has great energy!"
 
 
2025-26 Shepherd Women's Basketball Recruiting Class
Name                                               Height                        Position                                 Hometown/High School/Previous School
Ryleigh Adams                                    5-10                        G/F                                          Davidsonville, Md./South River
Valerie Blankenship                           5-10                        F                                              Lovettsville, Va,/Woodgrove
Vilte Kacerausaite                               6-1                          F                                              Waldorf, Md./Saint Mary's Ryken
Summer Shackelford                         6-0                          F                                              Amissville, Va./Highland School
Grace Middleton                                  5-6                          G                                             Leesburg, Va./Tuscarora/Frostburg State