MONROE, La. – ULM head women's basketball coach
Brooks Donald Williams has announced the additions of two highly decorated in-state standouts to the 2021 signing class.
CHLOE WILBANKS, G, LEESVILLE, LA., HICKS HS
Chloe Wilbanks, a 5-7 point guard from Class C powerhouse Hicks High School, accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity with the Warhawks. While holding offers from several notable universities, the three-time state champion was most attracted to the vision of Williams and her staff.
"I'm so excited to continue my basketball and educational career at ULM," Wilbanks said. "I'm thankful that God not only opened up this opportunity for me to play at the next level, but also is surrounding me by great people while doing it."
Wilbanks, the back-to-back All State Class C MVP, averaged 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists per game this season while leading her team to its third-straight state championship.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Chloe's talent and character join our program," Williams said. "Chloe is a winner. All she knows is winning and competing. She has a toughness about her that is pretty special. We are excited she chose to come to ULM, academically and athletically. I have no doubt she will impact our campus as she has at Hicks."
Chloe played AAU for Lake City Pride under Coach Terence Cahee.
KATLYN MANUEL, F, CHURCH POINT, LA., NORTHWEST HS
A native of Church Point, Louisiana, Katlyn Manuel prepped at Northwest High School, where she played for her mother, Coach Nicole Manuel. The 6-0 guard/forward averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks per game. The Louisiana Class 3A State Runner-Up made her decision official Thursday by signing her National Letter of Intent.
"Katlyn is an incredible athlete with big time upside and versatility," Williams said. "She is a perfect fit for our style of play. She has length and athleticism and can get up and down the floor. She has the ability to change the game defensively. She is a multi-sport athlete, a coach's kid and a competitor. We can't wait to get her on campus and start working with her. "
Manuel is a four-time First Team All-Parish team member as well as First Team All-District and two-time District MVP. In addition to sweeping district honors, Katlyn has been an All-State member for three consecutive years. Manuel not only led Northwest to its first-ever state championship appearance, she also contributed greatly to the success of her volleyball and track teams.
"I'm excited to be a part of the ULM program," Manuel said. "With the relationship I have with the coaching staff, I can't wait to get on the court and get to work to make ULM a champion. I owe a lot to my high school and AAU coaches for getting me to where I am today. I will forever be grateful to my mom, Coach Nicole Manuel and my AAU Coaches, Coach Mimms and Coach DJ."
The eighth-ranked player in Louisiana, who had offers from several in-state rivals and the region before signing with Austin Peay in the early signing period, chose to build with the Warhawks.
Kris Goff, founder of Louisiana Girls' Report, described Katlyn as the best shot blocker in Louisiana, hands down.
"She's continued to make improvements with versatility on the offensive end of the court throughout her high school career," Goff said. "She will make an instant impact at the forward position for the Warhawks next season."
"This group as a whole is special," Williams said. "They are competitors. They have all competed for championships and they expect to here in Monroe. June can't come quick enough. We are ready to get to work!"
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Jada Anderson |
PG |
5-5 |
Benton, La. |
Benton HS |
| Amaya Ford |
G |
5-11 |
Starkville, Miss. |
Starkville HS |
| Katlyn Manuel |
G/F |
6-0 |
Church Point, La. |
Northwest HS |
| Aasia Sam |
G |
5-10 |
Lake Charles, La. |
LaGrange HS |
| Breanna Sutton |
PG/G |
5-8 |
New Orleans, La. |
Warren Easton HS |
| Chloe Wilbanks |
PG |
5-7 |
Leesville, La. |
Hicks HS |
| Victoria Woods |
F |
6-1 |
Elton, La. |
Elton HS |
What They're Saying About ULM's 2021 Signing Class
"Coach
Brooks Donald Williams, ULM, has signed a stable full of guards and a versatile forward in her 2021 recruiting class. All players are athletic and can score the basketball. The future looks very bright and the Sun Belt Conference better be ready for a scoring barrage."
– Bret McCormick, All-Star Girls Report
"The ULM 2021 recruiting packs a punch. Players like Aasia Sam and Amaya Ford will bring a perimeter scoring punch. Jada Anderson will end up being an all-conference player while Breanna Sutton brings an incredible toughness to the backcourt. Vici Woods is the sleeper of this group and should provide an interior punch. Coach Brooks Williams and staff have produced a foundation for the future of ULM."
— Leslie Toole, Delta Report Scouting
"Head Coach
Brooks Donald Williams is bringing an excellent 2021 class to Louisiana Monroe. Williams has put her stamp on the recruiting class by adding five in-staters while adding a sixth signee from Mississippi. Aasia Sam, Breanna Sutton, Amaya Ford, Jada Anderson, Vici Woods and Katlyn Manuel bring a blend of skill, athleticism, and size that fit perfectly into Williams' vision for the Warhawks."
– Jason Key,
Premier Basketball Report
"Coach
Brooks Donald Williams and staff have pulled off another loaded recruiting class from the state of Louisiana. All six signees from Louisiana rank in our Top-25 (four being in the top eight) but they all have a few other things in common. All six signees are proven winners at the high school level. All six signees come from great programs and great coaches! It's great to see how committed ULM is to our state and giving our girls an opportunity at the next level. Excited to see these young ladies compete at the highest level of college basketball and have no doubt these winners can get it done on and off the court."
– Kris Goff,
Louisiana Girls Ranking
For all the latest information on the team, follow ULM_WBB on Twitter, Instagram and ULM Women's Basketball on Facebook. General athletic news can be found at ulmwarhawks.com.
