WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Hartford women's basketball team has signed two players to National Letters of Intent, first-year head coach
Morgan Valley announced on Wednesday. The Hawks inked Marisa Lee (Marborough, Conn.) and Morgan Darnell (Gahanna, Ohio) on Wednesday to join the program for the 2020-21 season.
"I am extremely excited to announce the signings of Marisa Lee and Morgan Darnell," said Valley. "This was a big summer for our staff and our program. We sought out young people with high character, high academics and all with something to prove. This group is helping us set the foundation of our program and I am looking forward to watching them grow into young women as they help build this program.
Marisa Lee
6-1 • Forward • Marborough, Conn. • RHAM High School
Lee, the all-time leader in efficiency at RHAM, will be looking to lead her squad to its second straight Connecticut Class L title as a senior this season. As a junior, Lee averaged a double-double while leading the team in points and rebounds, to guide RHAM to its first ever state title in school history. Playing for the Connecticut Storm AAU program, Lee was named to the 2019 Gym Rat First team for her play in the prestigious tournament. As well as being dominant on the court, Lee has been just as consistent in the classroom as she has made the academic honor roll in every semester thus far.
Coach Valley on Marisa Lee:
"Marisa is a terrific young person who will not only add depth at the post but she will also bring tremendous character and a huge upside to our roster. She has a soft touch around the rim and is a relentless rebounder and defender. We are looking forward to Marisa joining our Hawk family."
Morgan Darnell
5-6 • Guard • Gahanna, OH. • Gahanna Lincoln
Rated as the No. 47 best player in Ohio, the two-time All-OCC Second Team member will be looking to lead Gahanna Lincoln to its fourth straight Division I District Championship appearance. As a freshman, Darnell was named Gahanna Lincoln's Sixth Man of the Year and was named All-OCC Honorable Mention, while leading her squad to a championship appearance. In her first year as a starter, Darnell averaged nine points per game and helped lead Gahanna Lincoln to a Division I District Championship win. As a junior last season, she averaged 10 points, five assists and two steals a game.
Coach Valley on Morgan Darnell:
"Darnell is a hard-nosed, shifty combo guard that is unselfish and looks to get her teammates involved often. She creates chaos on defense, as she has a keen defensive mentality to disrupt her opponents' rhythm and flow and will guard you all 94 feet. Darnell has a high motor and will look to get out on the break to get easy buckets in transition. I am so excited to add Morgan and her family to our Hawk family!"
The current Hawks opened the season at 0-2 and will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when they play host to Providence at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
For more information on the Hartford women's basketball team, stay with HartfordHawks.com for updates and follow the team on social media (
Twitter |
Instagram)
Print Friendly Version
