BELLEVILLE — Unlike many high school athletes, Althoff senior Kymber Hill didn't have many college recruiting trips planned before making a final decision.
All Hill needed was a few.
A 6-foot-3 center, Hill's visit to the University of Massachusetts earlier this fall made an impact, as Wednesday she signed an NCAA Division I letter of intent to play for the Minutewomen beginning in the 2013-14 season.
"It basically came down to two schools -- Eastern Michigan and UMass. When I went out for my visit, UMass just seemed right. I liked it a lot and it's a place where I can be happy,'' Hill said. "It's a long way from home, but I feel like it's a place where I'll have a chance to improve and get a great education.''
Located in Amherst, UMass is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference and is coached by Sharon Dawley.
Currently 1-1, the Minutewomen are rebuilding after finishing 8-21 and 7-23 the past two seasons.
"They're rebuilding, but that's fine. Hopefully I can go in and be part of the team which helps the program improve,'' Hill said. "I know I need to get stronger and that I need to improve in all areas of the game. But I'm willing to go in, work hard and do what it takes to become a better basketball player."
Hill will play center for the Minutewomen.
Althoff coach Todd Hill said he's glad Hill is the getting the opportunity to show what she can do.
"I'm excited when a kid gets the opportunity to go where they want to go,'' Hill said. "Her and her family went on several visits, and UMass was the place she really liked.
"I think she's going to get the opportunity to play right away. She's just got to do the things that all freshmen must do which is get stronger and adjusting to the speed of the game. I think Kymber has the tools to contribute right away as long as she continues to work hard.''
Hill plans on majoring in broadcast journalism at UMass.
Rakers signs with Michigan
Carlyle guard Paige Rakers was one of four players who made up new Michigan women's coach Kim Barnes Arico's first recruiting class.
Rakers averaged 19.4 points per game as a junior last season. She also was named "Queen of the Hill'' for winning the Illinois High School Association's statewide 3-point contest.
"Paige is from a tremendous family, a great student who really values academics,'' Barnes Arico said. "She is one of the best shooters that I came across all summer. Besides her ability to shoot the basketball, she has a great feel for the game. She is a really good passer and she works incredibly hard. She is going to be a tremendous addition to our program.''
Roustio signs with Illinois
O'Fallon outside hitter Katie Roustio, who led the metro-east with an average of 6.27 kills per game this season, has signed to play volleyball for the University of Illinois.
Roustio amassed 1,468 kills, 1,232 digs, 220 blocks and 210 service aces in her four seasons with the Panthers.
"Katie Roustio is an extremely physical outside hitter," Illinois coach Kevin Hambly said. "She has a great arm and puts up a great block. She was looked at in high school to score and has shown the ability to score points. She will be looked upon to develop into a six rotation outside hitter."
Contact reporter Dean Criddle at 239-2661 or dcriddle@bnd.com
