Lady Griz sign Montana, Wyoming natives
11/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
University of Montana women's basketball coach Robin Selvig announced Friday that Jessa Linford of Seeley Lake, Mont., and Stephanie Stender of Sheridan, Wyo., have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Lady Griz program for the 2006-07 season.
Linford, a 6-1 forward, will be a 2006 graduate of Seeley-Swan High School. She averaged 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field, for the Blackhawks as a junior, helping them to a 25-1 record and a runner-up finish at the 2005 Montana Class B state tournament.
Also a standout track and field performer, Linford was a state champion in the high jump at the 2005 Class B state meet, clearing a height of 5-4. She also finished third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.74.
"Jessa is a good all-around athlete with both size and perimeter skills," Selvig said. "She's good in both track and basketball and is a great student as well. Jessa is just the kind of kid we're looking for."
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the Lady Griz basketball program," Linford said this week. "The program has a great reputation for both sports and academics, and I really like the coaching staff.
"Missoula has a great atmosphere, and the university has a lot to offer."
Stender, a 5-11 guard/forward, will be a 2006 graduate of Sheridan High School. A three-year starter at SHS, Stender averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals per game as a junior en route to all-conference and all-state honors.
Stender recently wrapped up a senior season on the volleyball court, where she earned all-conference and all-state honors as well. Stender has also lettered in track and field and soccer at Sheridan High.
"Steph is a small forward or big guard, one of those versatile type players who can play a number of different positions in her career," Selvig said. "She has perimeter skills with pretty good size as well and is a good shooter and good handler."
"Coach Selvig is amazing and just the coolest coach," an excited Stender said Friday. "He's like a legend. If anyone was ever offered a spot in that program and didn't sign, they'd have to be out of their mind.
"Both of my parents grew up in Montana, and we have a cabin by Georgetown Lake, so we always follow the Montana teams. Montana has always felt almost like home to me, now it will be."
"Both of these kids are good students and have great potential," Selvig said. "And both are great kids. They'll make great additions to our program. We're excited to have them."
Linford, a 6-1 forward, will be a 2006 graduate of Seeley-Swan High School. She averaged 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field, for the Blackhawks as a junior, helping them to a 25-1 record and a runner-up finish at the 2005 Montana Class B state tournament.
Also a standout track and field performer, Linford was a state champion in the high jump at the 2005 Class B state meet, clearing a height of 5-4. She also finished third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.74.
"Jessa is a good all-around athlete with both size and perimeter skills," Selvig said. "She's good in both track and basketball and is a great student as well. Jessa is just the kind of kid we're looking for."
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the Lady Griz basketball program," Linford said this week. "The program has a great reputation for both sports and academics, and I really like the coaching staff.
"Missoula has a great atmosphere, and the university has a lot to offer."
Stender, a 5-11 guard/forward, will be a 2006 graduate of Sheridan High School. A three-year starter at SHS, Stender averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals per game as a junior en route to all-conference and all-state honors.
Stender recently wrapped up a senior season on the volleyball court, where she earned all-conference and all-state honors as well. Stender has also lettered in track and field and soccer at Sheridan High.
"Steph is a small forward or big guard, one of those versatile type players who can play a number of different positions in her career," Selvig said. "She has perimeter skills with pretty good size as well and is a good shooter and good handler."
"Coach Selvig is amazing and just the coolest coach," an excited Stender said Friday. "He's like a legend. If anyone was ever offered a spot in that program and didn't sign, they'd have to be out of their mind.
"Both of my parents grew up in Montana, and we have a cabin by Georgetown Lake, so we always follow the Montana teams. Montana has always felt almost like home to me, now it will be."
"Both of these kids are good students and have great potential," Selvig said. "And both are great kids. They'll make great additions to our program. We're excited to have them."
Lady Griz Basketball Locker Room Unveiling - 5/1/26
Friday, May 01
Griz Track & Field - Montana Open Highlights - 4/25/26
Friday, May 01
Griz Softball vs. Idaho State Game-Winning Hit - 3/25/26
Friday, May 01
Griz Softball Championship Series Promo
Friday, May 01
