Nov. 24, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va.--George Mason University's head women's basketball coach Debbie Taneyhill has announced that three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the 2005-06 Patriot basketball squad.

The signees include Tammy Myers (G/F, 5-9, Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro), Becky Rautzhan (6-3, C, Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg Area) and Colleen Shumaker (F, 6-1, Haymarket, Va./Home School).

"I feel very satisfied with this recruiting class," said Taneyhill. "These student-athletes will be a great addition to an already young team. As a coaching staff, we feel that these individuals will shore up the weaknesses and continue to make the program even stronger. All three will bring many good things to the team, including a great work ethic and competitiveness that I believe will make Mason a better team."

Tammy Myers (G/F, 5-9, Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro)

Averages 15.0 points per game at Willingboro...has played all four years on the varsity squad...named Wiillingboro Defensive Player of the Year award sophomore season...high school was South Jersey Group III Champions in 2003...earned first team Liberty Division all-conference and first team all-county, as well as third team all-state sophomore year...Willingboro was Central Jersey Group III Champions junior season...named to the second team all-county in 2004...played four years in AAU.

"Tammy is a guard that will bring great offensive skills to the team," said Taneyhill. "She was hindered with an injury senior season, but was highly recruited junior year, so we feel that we got a steal with Tammy."

Becky Rautzhan (C, 6-3, Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg Area)

Named to Susquehanna Valley League's First Team sophomore and junior seasons...led the league in scoring in 2004...became the youngest player in school history to score 1,000 points as a junior...named team most valuable player 2002-04...earned first team Daily Item All Star honors junior year and second team honors the previous season...nominated to the All-State team sophomore season...earned honorable mention Daily Item All Star honors freshman year and was named to the second team all star Susquehanna Valley League.

"Becky brings great offensive skills, as well as size to Mason and will play at the center spot", said Taneyhill. "I believe that Becky is undiscovered by a lot of people and are extremely excited to have her join Mason's program."

Colleen Shumaker (F, 6-1, Haymarket, Va./Home School)

Named to the All Area Girls Basketball Second Team by the Potomac News in 2004...ranked #1 in points per game in Prince William County by the Washington Post in the "Girls Basketball Leader Report" for the 2003-04 season...earned Team MVP honors with Fresta Valley Christian, 2001 & 2003...earned MVP honors at the Faith Tournament junior year...named to the Old Dominion Association of Church Schools All Tournament Team at the State Championship Tournament in 2004...played AAU basketball for Fairfax Starts (2004), Lessons Learned (2002-03), Virginians (2001) and Warriors (2000).

"Colleen can really score and has a lot of versatility to her game," said Taneyhill. "Colleen will strengthen our inside game a lot as she will play a strong forward for us."