DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's basketball team has signed four high school student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2015-16 season, head coach Jennie Baranczyk announced Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Sammie Bachrodt (Wichita, Kan.), Maddy Johnson (Sycamore, Ill.), Nicole Miller (Walker, Iowa) and Sara Rhine (Eldon, Mo.) comprise the Drake recruiting class.

“We are thrilled to add the 2015 class,” said Baranczyk. “As a class, they are going to be glue that continues to establish our culture. They each bring unique talents and gifts, grit and toughness and share a passion for Drake.”

Bachrodt from Wichita, Kan., is a 5-10 guard who has helped Wichita Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School capture one state championship and a third-place finish in her first three seasons. During that span, the Crusaders have compiled an outstanding 63-12 overall record. Bachrodt was named Most Valuable Player of the Kansas 5A Girls Basketball State Tournament her freshman season when the team won the championship. She is a three-time all-state selection, who averaged a conference-leading 15.8 points per game her junior year.

“Sammie is a high IQ player and a fierce competitor,” said Bachrodt's AAU coach Jon Lewis of MOKAN Eclipse. “She is an exception to the rule. Not only is she labeled the grinding defender, but she also has the uncanny talent to score the ball from all spots on the court. Sammie will be a great addition to the fast and attacking style of basketball that Drake likes to play. Her influence and impact on and off the court will be felt for years to come.”

Johnson, a 6-2 forward from Sycamore, Ill., is set to play her senior season for Sycamore High School after playing her first three seasons at nearby DeKalb High School. She led DeKalb to three conference, regional and sectional championships. As a junior, she averaged 12.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a junior on her way to being named third team all-state by the Associated Press.     

“We are excited for Maddy to go to Drake,” said Sycamore Coach Brett Goff. “I know her work ethic and her passion for the game of basketball. She is a versatile player that can handle the basketball and can extend the defense with her three-point range. She is excited to begin her Drake career.”

Miller from Walker, Iowa, is a talented, multi-sport athlete at North Linn High School. A 5-9 guard, she guided the Lynx to the semifinals of the Iowa Class 2A Girls Basketball State Tournament her junior season. As a junior, she averaged 26.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game as she was named the Iowa Class 2A Player of the Year. A successful track and field athlete, she is a three-time Drake Relays qualifier and helped North Linn capture the team title as a junior and several state relays titles during her career.

“This is special for us being a smaller school,” said North Linn coach Brian Wheatley. “I'm fairly certain she is our first Division I player from the school so it's pretty exciting. I'm happy to see her stay in the state of Iowa and I think she is a great fit at Drake. She is a versatile and complete player that can score, defend, rebound and do whatever you ask of her. She is a hard worker that lives in the gym. She is very coachable and will do whatever the Drake coaches ask her to do. I see her having a really good career at Drake.”

Rounding out the class is Rhine, who hails from Eldon, Mo., but has significant family ties to Drake University and the state of Iowa. Her grandfather, Paul Twedt, played baseball and basketball at Drake. 

Rhine, a 6-1 forward, has led Eldon High School to conference championships in basketball and track and field. Like Miller, Rhine, has been highly successful in track and field as she is a three-time state champion in the high jump, and is the Missouri Class 3 State high jump record holder.

“I'm excited for Sara to transition to the college level,” said Eldon coach Tony Pace. “She is a hard worker and a dedicated athlete. When its time to work will buckle down. She is a three-year team captain, who has done a great job for us as a leader. I know she is excited to play at Drake and be near her extended family.”

The four incoming student-athletes will join a projected 2015-16 roster of one senior, three juniors and three sophomores.

The Bulldogs open the 2014-15 season against visiting South Dakota on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:05 p.m.