November 15, 2012

Women's basketball inks two more in in early signing period

Two more high school women's basketball standouts have signed National Letters of Intent for 2013-14, Golden Eagle head coach Jim Davis announced Thursday. Signing to attend Tech were Catherine Taylor and Hannah Goolsby.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Two more high school women's basketball standouts have signed National Letters of Intent for 2013-14, Golden Eagle head coach Jim Davis announced Thursday.

The class includes Catherine Taylor, a 5-10 power guard from Arrington, Tenn., and local standout Hannah Goolsby, a 5-10 forward from Cookeville, Tenn.

Catherine Taylor
5-10, Guard
Arrington, Tenn. (Fred J. Page)

Catherine Taylor is a two or three guard with the power to impact all aspects of the game and really be a "game-changer," according to Davis. She is a sharp-shooter from just about anywhere on the floor. With athleticism and knowledge of the game, Taylor will make an immediate impact on next year's team.

"Catherine is long guard with athleticism and speed. Her athleticism and build lend her to strong defensive play. Her mid-range game is her strength, and she can score several different ways. We are really excited about Catherine joining our program; she is the total package. She has the potential to become a Tennessee Tech gold."

Deciding what school to play for after high school can be a daunting decision, and Taylor is pleased to have her future planned.

"I'm really excited to be a part of the Golden Eagle Basketball family and tradition," said Taylor. "The coaching staff has such a positive energy and the relationship within the team reflects family. I'm so happy to play for a team that has such a beloved tradition and community, it just feels like home."

Hannah Goolsby
5-10, Guard
Cookeville, Tenn. (Cookeville)

Joining Taylor is local talent Hannah Goolsby. Goolsby has been a standout player for the Cookeville Lady Cavaliers, earning Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state honors, Herald-Citizen All-Upper Cumberland first-team accolades the last two years as well as All-UC Freshman of the Year.

As a junior, Goolsby averaged 16.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. During her sophomore year as a guard/forward, she tallied 22.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and was voted the District 6-AAA MVP. During her freshman year, Goolsby played in the post and averaged 14.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game as she was named to the All-District 6-AAA Team.

"From the minute I saw Hannah Goolsby play, I knew she was the type of player we wanted in our program," said Davis. "She lays it all on the line, and she has an edge about her, a toughness, that marks what I really want our program to be. She's a great student, she's a great person, but when her feet touch the court, it's all about effort."

Goolsby has lit up the Cookeville court, and her high school coach, Mindy Odom, feels Goolsby is more than prepared for the collegiate level.

"This is something Hannah's wanted all her life, and she has worked very hard to get where she is," said Odom. "Overall, Hannah can play. She can play both ends, score multiple ways and can step it up defensively. Hannah has the ability to just take over a game and help her team win big games with big plays."

Goolsby is no stranger to Tech basketball and the chance to play at home was too good to pass up.

"It's such an honor too play for Tech," said Goolsby. "I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to play college basketball, especially in my hometown. Coach Davis gave me the chance to stay close to my family, and the fact that he said to me on my official visit, 'I want you to go where you are happy,' proved Tech was the place for me.