TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams women's basketball team announced today the addition of Sarnia, Ont. native Laneigh Shirley to the team's 2020-21 recruiting class.

Shirley becomes the second player to commit to the Rams for the upcoming season, joining Haley Fedick in the team's recruiting class.

The wing/forward comes from Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School, where she served as co-captain in her 2019 season and led the team to the OFSAA Semifinals. Shirley was also awarded Team MVP at the University of Windsor tournament in 2019.

"I have always had a deep passion for basketball which causes me to never stop working towards success," says Shirley describing herself as an athlete. "I recognize my weaknesses and work hard to correct them. I am focused in training and during games, as I take all of my athletics very seriously."

Shirley also spent her summers with Valhalla Elite Prep Academy, playing from 2017 to 2019. 

"Laneigh is a hidden gem who we believe will blossom into a strong player in the OUA," says Rams Head Coach Carly Clarke. "An athletic wing/forward with great length and speed, Laneigh is a tenacious, versatile defender who fits perfectly into our system."

Studying Film Studies in the fall of 2020, Shirley spoke on the factors that helped make her decision, saying "It is in the city I love the most, it has the academics I need, and the team seems like a perfect fit for me in terms of coaching, drive, training, and values."

"I look forward to seeing Laneigh's growth as she brings a strong willingness to improve and is a high character individual that will have a positive impact on and off the court." continues Clarke.

Stay tuned to ryersonrams.ca for more recruit announcements as they become available throughout the offseason.

2020-21 Women's Basketball Recruiting Class 

Haley Fedick

Laneigh Shirley