May 23, 2006

Grand Valley State University's women's basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit announced the signing of three student-athletes to attend and play basketball for the Lakers. Keiyana Arnold (Canton, Mich./Salem), Carlie Holden (Monroe, Mich./St. Mary's Catholic Central), and Lauren Buresh (Stanwood, Mich./Morley Stanwood) will join the women's basketball team for the 2006-07 season.

Arnold, a 5-6 point guard, played basketball for Salem High School and was a tri-captain during the 2005-06 season. She led the Rocks to conference and district championships as a junior and co-conference championship her senior year. Arnold also ran track, was a member of the African American Association and volunteered at Henry Ford Hospital.

"Keiyana is a quick guard who handles and distributes the ball well," said Plitzuweit.

Holden, a 5-9 guard, played varsity basketball for three years for St. Mary's Catholic Central. In her final season, she averaged 11.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.2 steals. In three seasons, Holden helped the Kestrels to a 56-16 overall and three straight Huron League and district championships.

Holden was named to the all-region and All-Huron League teams, while also earning her team's MVP honors. She was also a three-time Huron League Scholar Athlete.

Holden was an all-state track athlete for four seasons and her class president for three years. Carlie was also a three year member of National Honor Society and a member of the Science Club and Student Senate for two years.

"Carlie has great size and will be a solid defender for us in time," said Plitzuweit. "Both players will come in and assist us over the next few years."

Buresh, a 5-11 forward, has been a four-year starter for Morley Stanwood and a three-time All-Western Waterway Athletic Conference honoree. During her junior season, Buresh posted 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.4 steals per game as her team went 19-2. As senior, Lauren has averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.4 steals en route to a 15-1 record so far this season.

Lauren has been named the Big Rapids Pioneer Player of the Year three times, earned Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention honors twice, and made the Detroit Free Press All-State First Team once. Buresh is one of the10 finalists for the Miss Basketball award in Michigan.

Buresh also played volleyball for three years, softball for a season, and participated in track and field for two years. Lauren was also a four-year member of the Varsity Club.

"Lauren is a high energy athlete who loves the game of basketball," said Plitzuweit. "She is very coachable and is a versatile player who will come to Grand Valley and work hard to be the best player she can be."