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After much deliberation, Verona senior Leslie Schaefer has accepted a full-ride basketball scholarship to Kent State University in Ohio next fall.  Her decision was final after calling Lady Flashes head coach, Bob Lindsey late Thursday night.  "After my visit to campus last week, my decision was pretty easy.  I just felt like I was supposed to be there," Schaefer stated.  "I loved the coaches and the campus.  This feels like the perfect fit."







Schaefer, a 6 3" post player, averaged 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds and shot 61% from the field as she helped lead Verona to its first ever state final appearance in girls basketball.  She also set a state record for the number of blocks in a state game with seven.  She was selected to the Associated Press All-State team as well as the state finals All-Tournament Team. 



"Leslie will be a great fit for their program," said Verona head coach Angie Murphy.  "She will more than likely be able to step in and make an impact right away." 



Schaefer, highly regarded as one of Wisconsin s top players, received over 20 scholarship offers.  She chose Kent State over other finalists such as Illinois State and UW-Green Bay.  Her decision was partly due to Kent State s reputation for having one of the top fashion design programs in the country, which is what she plans on pursuing as a major.



Schaefer is relieved to have made her college decision before the start of the season.  "This takes a lot of pressure and stress off of me.  I m glad now that I can focus and have fun my senior year."

When asked about the upcoming season, Leslie admits that she is hoping for another state appearance with her young but talented team.  She herself has been working on her rebounding, confidence and leadership abilities this off season and hopes that all of her hard work can help bring Verona another state ball.