Women's Basketball announces 2023 recruiting class

Posted: Jun 28, 2023

Auburn, ME - Head Women's Basketball Coach, Andrew Morong, is pleased to announce the 2023 women's basketball recruiting class. It is comprised of 11 first-year players from around the world.

Coach Morong, who will begin his 12th season at the helm for the Mustangs this winter, commented, "We are incredibly excited about our recruiting class. We retooled our roster after a disappointing end to the 2022-23 season, and this year's recruiting class addresses exactly what we are looking for in student-athletes, on and off the court. These women are incredibly committed to their studies, their craft, and our program. They should all fit in seamlessly with Chantel, Destiny, and Winnie who are returning for their final season at CM. The coaching staff is excited to get to work with these amazing women."

He continued, "Having all our point guards as first-year players, is never an easy task, but Riley, Sage, and Rosa are certainly up for the challenge. They each have an extremely high basketball IQ, can score in multiple ways, and are enthusiastic defenders. Molly and Hazel bring elite shooting and scrappy defending. Additionally, they were both state champions and have been coached at the highest level; Molly by Coach Pelletier at Oxford Hills and Hazel by Coach Boozer at Miami Senior. Ella, Zoe, and Jolien bring great size to the perimeter for us. Each capabale to scoring at three levels and guarding all five positions. Aiwen and Malak have so much potential. They have each shown flashes of being high impact players because they can do so many different things on the court. Marney will help anchor us in the paint with her physical presence and nice size, however, she will be working her way out to the wing as well."

	Riley Hebler, #1 Major: Nursing Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Sanford, ME \| Sanford HS \| XL Thunder Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because it was the perfect fit. The campus has so much to offer with incredibly advance technology that will assist me in my academics, and also the supportive staff that are more than willing to help me succeed. Being able to be a part of the women's basketball program and CMCC's amazing Nursing program is truly special. High School/Club: x2 SMAA All-Defensive Team... Sanford HS MVP... High Honors... National Society of High School Scholars. Personal: Daughter of Michael and Shannon... younger brothers, Gavin, Kayson, and Dawson... two cats, Miley and Willow, dog, Duncan.
	Rosa Prieto, #2 Major: Exercise Science Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Miami, FL \| Doral Academy Why CMCC? I chose to attend Central Maine because from to get-go, it all seemed like it was meant to be. Throughout the entire recruiting process everyone I talked to at the college, from advisors, to coaches, to future teammates, made me feel welcomed - and like I was already a part of the family. High School/Club: State Champion freshman year... Team MVP junior year... District Champions senior year. Personal: Daughter of Darlene and Luis... three siblings, Luis, Damian, and Lazaro.
	Sage Fortin, #3 Major: Nursing Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Augusta, ME \| Cony HS \| MBC/XL Thunder Why CMCC? I chose to CMCC because it was the best fit for me. The technology throughout campus is unmatched. It is evident that the faculty and staff want their students to succeed and reach their full potential. Outside of being able to attend the top nursing program in the state, I also have the priviledge of playing for the prestigous women's basketball program. I am so grateful for the opportunity Coach Morong is giving me to become a better player and person. I cannot wait to start my college experience at CMCC! High School/Club: 4-years varsity basketball... 2020 regional and conference champions... x2 1st Team All Conference... x2 2nd Team All Conference... x2 Team MVP... x2 Team Coaches Award... high honors... national honor society... top-10 of graduating class. Personal: Daughter of Michelle and Mark... older brother, Caleb... dog, Morgan.
	Molly Corbett, #4 Major: Exercise Science Position: Guard Height: 5'6" Otisfield, ME \| Oxford Hills HS \| XL Thunder Why CMCC? I decided to attend CMCC because as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. I was also looking for a coach who I knew would push me on and off the court, but someone I knew I could connect with, and that was Coach Morong. High School/Club: x2 KVAC 2nd Team All-Conference... KVAC Senior All-Star... Maine McDonald's Senior All-Star... x2 State Champion Class AA... 1st Team All-Conference, Track & Field. Personal: Daughter of Matthew and Jen... older sister, Emily... two cats, Henry and Gracie.
	Ella Lavigne, #10 Major: Early Childhood Education Position: Guard/Forward Height: 5'11" Fort Collins, CO \| Fossil Ridge HS \| State 38/NoCo Friends Why CMCC? I am attending CMCC to develop my basketball skills and get my education at an affordable cost. We have a reputation of developing talented basketball players, some of which go on to the scholarship level, and that is what I intend to do. I also look forward to meeting new people and attending school in a part of the country that I am not used to. High School/Club: x2 All-Area... x2 All-Conference... 2023 2nd Team All-state... Team MVP. Personal: Daughter of Krista and Ernie... older sister, Dakota, younger brother, Landon... two cats, Gracie and Nala.
	Zoe Bedford, #12 Major: Exercise Science Position: Guard Height: 5'10" Melbourne, Australia \| Parkdale Secondary \| Kingston Basketball/Sandringham Sabres Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because I loved the competitive and relentless mindset of the program and coaches. I also loved the close, family-like culture within the program, on and off the court. High School/Club: x2 Kingston Basketball Player of the Year... Sadringham Sabres U20 MVP. Personal: Daughter of Martin and Rachelle... two dogs, Pepper and Sammy.
	Hazel Hernandez, #21 Major: Sports Management Position: Guard Height: 5'3" Miami, FL \| Miami Sr. HS \| Miami Suns Why CMCC? I choce CMCC because of the recruiting process. I felt important from day one, and I know that Coach Morong really believes in me. Going to school in Maine is definitely outside of my comfort zone and I am really looking forward to experiencing something that is very different than Florida. High School/Club: Florida 7A State Champion, x2 Florida 7A State Runner-Up, x3 conference champion, conference runner-up, x4 regional champion, x4 district champion, x3 Miami Herald HM All-Star. Personal: Daughter of Dolores... older sibling, Haley... two dogs, Mila and Bella
	Jolien Defoort, #25 Major: Life Sciences Position: Guard/Forward Height: 5'10" Harelbeke, Belgium \| \| LDP Donza Why CMCC? From the very beginning of the recruiting process I felt like I had a connection with Coach Morong. His coaching style, philosophy, and expectations are exactly what I am looking for in a coach. The program's focus on skill development, personal growth, and teamwork made me even more excited to be a part of the Mustang family. Another aspect that attracted me to CMCC was the campus and overall location of the school. Everything just seemed so inviting, and it was easy for me to envision myself thriving both on and off the court. The college also offers a remarkable academic environment. As a Life Sciences student, the access to technology and resources is crucial, and CMCC has everything I could possibly need to be successful. High School/Club: Champions of Belgium... Champions of Flanders... Cup winners of West Flanders, Flanders, and East Flanders. Personal: Daughter of Evelyne and Veerle... Younger siblings, Michiel and Alies.
	Aiwen Maiwen, #31 Major: Business Position: Forward Height: 5'8" Auburn, ME \| Edward Little HS \| MBC Why CMCC? I have felt drawn to the school for quite some time. I have always wanted to be a Mustang, because I can tell this is a place that will help me grow the most at this point in my life. High School/Club: Varisty basketball... Run for the Roses (KY) participant. Personal: Daughter of Mangok and Ayok... younger siblings, Diing, Akol, and Juer, older siblings, Wol and Tong.
	Malak Wakid, #34 Major: Business Position: Guard Height: 5'8" Cairo, Egypt \| Zamalek Sporting Why CMCC? I chose CM because it has always been my dream to go to the US to play basketball, and it felt like a perfect fit. I feel safe and very comfortable which is important since I will be so far away from my home and family. I know Coach Morong believes in me and I am excited to get to campus in August and continue bonding with my teammates and coaches. High School/Club: Second place Giza Zone. Personal: Daughter of Wakid and Mona... younger brother, Badr.
	Marney Rees, #35 Major: Liberal Studies Position: Forward Height: 6' Gleneleg North, Australia \| Adelaide HS \| Forestville Eagles Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because I was inspired by the success of their women's basketball program. I am also excited to extend my basketball journey in a unique part of the world. I have seen both of my sisters go on to play basketball in the US, and I am looking forward to the same opportunity. High School/Club: x5 District Champion with Forestville Eagles... x2 Represented South Australia in the U20 Australia Junior Nationals... Captain of Forestville Eagles... Adelaide HS Service Award... Coaches Award. Personal: Daughter of Paul and Nicole... older sisters, Darcy and Kelsey, younger brother, Mason... cat, Delaney.

The full women's basketball roster can be found here, Roster
The 2023-24 women's basketball schedule can be found here, Schedule

	Riley Hebler, #1 Major: Nursing Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Sanford, ME \| Sanford HS \| XL Thunder Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because it was the perfect fit. The campus has so much to offer with incredibly advance technology that will assist me in my academics, and also the supportive staff that are more than willing to help me succeed. Being able to be a part of the women's basketball program and CMCC's amazing Nursing program is truly special. High School/Club: x2 SMAA All-Defensive Team... Sanford HS MVP... High Honors... National Society of High School Scholars. Personal: Daughter of Michael and Shannon... younger brothers, Gavin, Kayson, and Dawson... two cats, Miley and Willow, dog, Duncan.
	Rosa Prieto, #2 Major: Exercise Science Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Miami, FL \| Doral Academy Why CMCC? I chose to attend Central Maine because from to get-go, it all seemed like it was meant to be. Throughout the entire recruiting process everyone I talked to at the college, from advisors, to coaches, to future teammates, made me feel welcomed - and like I was already a part of the family. High School/Club: State Champion freshman year... Team MVP junior year... District Champions senior year. Personal: Daughter of Darlene and Luis... three siblings, Luis, Damian, and Lazaro.
	Sage Fortin, #3 Major: Nursing Position: Point guard Height: 5'3" Augusta, ME \| Cony HS \| MBC/XL Thunder Why CMCC? I chose to CMCC because it was the best fit for me. The technology throughout campus is unmatched. It is evident that the faculty and staff want their students to succeed and reach their full potential. Outside of being able to attend the top nursing program in the state, I also have the priviledge of playing for the prestigous women's basketball program. I am so grateful for the opportunity Coach Morong is giving me to become a better player and person. I cannot wait to start my college experience at CMCC! High School/Club: 4-years varsity basketball... 2020 regional and conference champions... x2 1st Team All Conference... x2 2nd Team All Conference... x2 Team MVP... x2 Team Coaches Award... high honors... national honor society... top-10 of graduating class. Personal: Daughter of Michelle and Mark... older brother, Caleb... dog, Morgan.
	Molly Corbett, #4 Major: Exercise Science Position: Guard Height: 5'6" Otisfield, ME \| Oxford Hills HS \| XL Thunder Why CMCC? I decided to attend CMCC because as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. I was also looking for a coach who I knew would push me on and off the court, but someone I knew I could connect with, and that was Coach Morong. High School/Club: x2 KVAC 2nd Team All-Conference... KVAC Senior All-Star... Maine McDonald's Senior All-Star... x2 State Champion Class AA... 1st Team All-Conference, Track & Field. Personal: Daughter of Matthew and Jen... older sister, Emily... two cats, Henry and Gracie.
	Ella Lavigne, #10 Major: Early Childhood Education Position: Guard/Forward Height: 5'11" Fort Collins, CO \| Fossil Ridge HS \| State 38/NoCo Friends Why CMCC? I am attending CMCC to develop my basketball skills and get my education at an affordable cost. We have a reputation of developing talented basketball players, some of which go on to the scholarship level, and that is what I intend to do. I also look forward to meeting new people and attending school in a part of the country that I am not used to. High School/Club: x2 All-Area... x2 All-Conference... 2023 2nd Team All-state... Team MVP. Personal: Daughter of Krista and Ernie... older sister, Dakota, younger brother, Landon... two cats, Gracie and Nala.
	Zoe Bedford, #12 Major: Exercise Science Position: Guard Height: 5'10" Melbourne, Australia \| Parkdale Secondary \| Kingston Basketball/Sandringham Sabres Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because I loved the competitive and relentless mindset of the program and coaches. I also loved the close, family-like culture within the program, on and off the court. High School/Club: x2 Kingston Basketball Player of the Year... Sadringham Sabres U20 MVP. Personal: Daughter of Martin and Rachelle... two dogs, Pepper and Sammy.
	Hazel Hernandez, #21 Major: Sports Management Position: Guard Height: 5'3" Miami, FL \| Miami Sr. HS \| Miami Suns Why CMCC? I choce CMCC because of the recruiting process. I felt important from day one, and I know that Coach Morong really believes in me. Going to school in Maine is definitely outside of my comfort zone and I am really looking forward to experiencing something that is very different than Florida. High School/Club: Florida 7A State Champion, x2 Florida 7A State Runner-Up, x3 conference champion, conference runner-up, x4 regional champion, x4 district champion, x3 Miami Herald HM All-Star. Personal: Daughter of Dolores... older sibling, Haley... two dogs, Mila and Bella
	Jolien Defoort, #25 Major: Life Sciences Position: Guard/Forward Height: 5'10" Harelbeke, Belgium \| \| LDP Donza Why CMCC? From the very beginning of the recruiting process I felt like I had a connection with Coach Morong. His coaching style, philosophy, and expectations are exactly what I am looking for in a coach. The program's focus on skill development, personal growth, and teamwork made me even more excited to be a part of the Mustang family. Another aspect that attracted me to CMCC was the campus and overall location of the school. Everything just seemed so inviting, and it was easy for me to envision myself thriving both on and off the court. The college also offers a remarkable academic environment. As a Life Sciences student, the access to technology and resources is crucial, and CMCC has everything I could possibly need to be successful. High School/Club: Champions of Belgium... Champions of Flanders... Cup winners of West Flanders, Flanders, and East Flanders. Personal: Daughter of Evelyne and Veerle... Younger siblings, Michiel and Alies.
	Aiwen Maiwen, #31 Major: Business Position: Forward Height: 5'8" Auburn, ME \| Edward Little HS \| MBC Why CMCC? I have felt drawn to the school for quite some time. I have always wanted to be a Mustang, because I can tell this is a place that will help me grow the most at this point in my life. High School/Club: Varisty basketball... Run for the Roses (KY) participant. Personal: Daughter of Mangok and Ayok... younger siblings, Diing, Akol, and Juer, older siblings, Wol and Tong.
	Malak Wakid, #34 Major: Business Position: Guard Height: 5'8" Cairo, Egypt \| Zamalek Sporting Why CMCC? I chose CM because it has always been my dream to go to the US to play basketball, and it felt like a perfect fit. I feel safe and very comfortable which is important since I will be so far away from my home and family. I know Coach Morong believes in me and I am excited to get to campus in August and continue bonding with my teammates and coaches. High School/Club: Second place Giza Zone. Personal: Daughter of Wakid and Mona... younger brother, Badr.
	Marney Rees, #35 Major: Liberal Studies Position: Forward Height: 6' Gleneleg North, Australia \| Adelaide HS \| Forestville Eagles Why CMCC? I chose CMCC because I was inspired by the success of their women's basketball program. I am also excited to extend my basketball journey in a unique part of the world. I have seen both of my sisters go on to play basketball in the US, and I am looking forward to the same opportunity. High School/Club: x5 District Champion with Forestville Eagles... x2 Represented South Australia in the U20 Australia Junior Nationals... Captain of Forestville Eagles... Adelaide HS Service Award... Coaches Award. Personal: Daughter of Paul and Nicole... older sisters, Darcy and Kelsey, younger brother, Mason... cat, Delaney.