American University Head Women's Basketball Coach Matt Corkery has announced the signing of three student-athletes during the early signing period. Ari Booth, Shaquilla Curtis and Abigail Fogg have each signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Eagles in the fall of 2012.

Booth, a 5'8" shooting guard from Pflugerville, Texas, will complete her senior season at Pflugerville High School. She is a four-year varsity player and has received 16 5A District All-Academic awards for the past three years. She led Pflugerville to its state semifinal game and was also a member of Pflugerville's all-district, all-area, and all-regional teams.

"Ari is an outstanding guard who will thrive in our fast paced system," commented Corkery.  "She takes pride in her defense and can change the game with her pressure on the ball.  Her ability to score off the dribble is also a major strength of her game.  Ari's work ethic is second to none and we are excited she has chosen to play for us at American."

"The relationship I've developed with the coaching staff at American has added even more comfort to that which I already have with our nation's capital city," said Booth. "I considered other schools, but AU is offering both the educational and athletic opportunities that I am looking for."

Curtis, a 5'9" wing, is currently playing at Independence Community College in Kansas after attending high school at Archbishop Spalding High School in Glen Burnie, Md. As a high school senior, Curtis led Archibishop Spalding to its conference title as well as the IAAM League Championship during her junior year. She was a member of the IAAM All Star Team and the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational Team during her junior year, and is also a member of Archbishop Spalding's 1,000 point club.

"Girlie is a high flying athlete and a tremendous competitor," Corkery commented. "She will add speed and quickness to our lineup and she loves to play an up tempo style.  Having played at Archbishop Spalding and now Independence Community College, we feel she will be ready to have an impact from day one."

"I chose American because it felt like I was a part of their family. I felt like I could trust them," said Curtis. "AU is an amazing academic school and the Patriot League is a very competitive league to play in."

Fogg, a 6'4" center from Ontario, Canada, will complete her high school career at Korah Collegiate. She is a four-sport athlete earning letters in basketball, badminton, track and volleyball. During her junior year, Fogg led her U17 Team Ontario to a silver medal finish at nationals, and also played in Division I at the Ontario Cup. Recently, Fogg led Korah Collegiate to its city championship.

"Abigail is an outstanding young post player," said Corkery. "She runs well, has excellent hands and good instincts around the basket.  Not only can she score the ball inside, she is also a good shot blocker and an excellent rebounder.  We believe she can thrive in our transition and high/low post game."  

"I love the fact that American is a strong and competitive basketball team in their conference and that they are a reputable academic school," Fogg remarked. "I also really like the girls and the coaches, and I am greatly anticipating playing basketball at the next level for American."