May 27, 2005

(San Diego, CA) - Preparing for her first season as the head women's basketball coach at the University of San Diego, Cindy Fisher announced that Kaila Mangrum (Las Vegas, NV/Bishop Gorman HS) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend USD and play for the Toreros in 2005-06. Mangrum, a six-foot forward, was honored as an Honorable Mention McDonalds All America player and was named the Sunset Conference MVP during an outstanding prep career at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.

"We are very excited about the addition of Kaila Mangrum to our women's basketball program. Kaila is going to be a strong post presence for us and give us some much needed depth in the post position," said Fisher about the first player she has signed since being announced as the Toreros head coach on April 19, 2005. "Kaila is an outstanding student athlete that we are very fortunate to have join our USD family."

Mangrum averaged 10 rebounds per game and was named a first team all-state performer, helping Bishop Gorman to a 29-2 overall record last season. She helped the Gaels post four consecutive 20-win seasons as a four-year varsity award-winner.

"She can score with her back to the bucket, facing the bucket, and with her size at six-foot, she's got cat-like speed," says Mangrum's high school coach Sheryl Krmpotich. "She guarded guards on the perimeter because she has very good foot quickness."

Mangrum joins a class of three Toreros that have signed on to play for San Diego next season. Prep stars, guard Kelly Winther (Simi Valley, CA/Royal HS) and forward Kiva Herman (Vancouver WA/Hudson's Bay HS), both committed to USD prior to Fisher's arrival on Alcala Park this spring.

Herman, a six-foot post player, poured in 15.6 points per game and averaged 8.3 rebounds as a prep senior at Hudson's Bay High School in southwest Washington State. She was honored as a First Team All-Greater St. Helens League player for the Division 4A Eagles last season.