May 26, 2009
SEASIDE, Calif. - Cal State Monterey Bay women’s basketball coach
Renee Jimenez has announced the signing of two Ventura College transfers, 6’3 forward
Julie Heurung and State Farm/WBCA All-American
Michelle Santizo. The duo lead the Pirates to their 19th consecutive Western State Conference Championship, posting a 34-1 record in 2008-09.
"We are excited to welcome Julie and Michelle to the Otter Family. They are both quality people and we cannot wait to see them in the blue and gold this season."
Heurung and Santizo come from the most successful junior college women's basketball program in California and played for this year’s National Junior college Coach of the Year, Ned Mercetic. With the help of current CSUMB players Lindsay Trout and Veronica Williams, Ventura College has a 113-25 record in the last four years with four conference titles and numerous individual accolades.
A Ventura native, Heurung averaged 10 points and nine rebounds per contest for the Pirates in the 2008-09 season. In her sophomore season, she was named to All-State first team and All-Conference first team as well as earning Academic All-Conference honors.
A 2007 graduate of Buena High School, Heurung was a two-year varsity letter winner for the Bulldogs and head coach Joe Vaughan. As the team captain her senior year, she led the Bulldogs to the CIF quarterfinals
"The decision was very easy to make,” Heurung said. “CSUMB is a very welcoming and fitting choice for me.
“I'm really excited to be a part of something really special next year!"
"Julie will bring a winning behavior and understands championship work ethic,” Jimenez said. “At 6'3, what makes Julie such a devastating player is not her size but her mind and agility. She has impeccable footwork, and is one of the best passing centers in the state. Julie can also shoot the ball from long range, score close to the basket and has a unique blend of quick power that separates elite forwards.
“We expect Julie to be one of the best forwards in the CCAA if not the best."
A 5-5 point guard from Oxnard, Santizo is a two-time All-Conference first team selection. After averaging 9.5 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 2008-09 season, she was named to the All-State first team and CCCWBCA All-State first team. She also received Academic All-Conference honors.
A 2007 graduate of Rio Mesa High School, Santizo earned team MVP honors as a senior for Coach Dan Campbell. She was named to the All-Pacific View League first team and All-County first team her senior year.
“I'm excited to continue my education and basketball career at CSUMB,” Santizo said. “I'm glad Coach Jimenez is giving me the opportunity to play at the next level. She is a tough coach that brings the best out of her players and I can't wait to see the outcome of next season. We have a great team that shows a great deal of talent.
“As a point guard my job is to lead my team to victory; hopefully I can be an example of hard work and dedication.”
Michelle or "Tizo" is going to bring great leadership on the offense and defensive end of the floor for us and we expect her to contribute immediately,” Jimenez said. “She can attack the basket, shoot from long range and is a lock down defender. Michelle loves to play fast, is dangerous in the open court and can pass the ball 80 feet up the floor on a dime.
“With the speed at our guard spots, she is going to be racking up a lot of assists this season!”