Nov. 17, 2005

DAVIS, Calif. - Paige Mintun, a standout center from Valley Center High School in Southern California, has signed a national letter of intent to play for the UC Davis women's basketball team and will join the program next fall, it was announced on Thursday by head coach Sandy Simpson.

Mintun, a 6-foot-2 center, enters her senior season at Valley Center where she has lettered three years and helped lead her team to berths in the San Diego Section semifinals three straight years, including a spot in the championship last season.

Mintun averaged 15 points, 18 rebounds and 8 blocks per game last season on her way to team most valuable player honors as well as accolades on the All-Valley League and All-North County first teams. Additionally, she was named to the All-CIF second team.

"We're very excited to have signed a player of Paige's caliber," said Simpson. "She is a true all-around basketball player. She plays outstanding defense, is a shot-altering presence in the middle and has the ability to run the floor.

"She has the ability to score in a variety of ways in the low post as well," he added. "She will be a key part of our core foundation as we look forward to the Division I era. Aggie fans will be excited to see her style of play during her four years."

Mintun was also recognized as team MVP and on the all-league and all-county first teams as a sophomore and was a second-team all-league pick as a freshman. Besides being a standout basketball player, Mintun has also excelled on the volleyball court where she was a middle blocker for Valley Center which won two straight league titles and twice advanced to the section semifinals.

Mintun is a four-year member of her school's honor roll and was named first-team All-Academic this year.

UC Davis begins its 2005-06 on Sunday with 2 p.m. home game against Radford at The Pavilion.