MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan women's basketball team has signed five to National Letters of Intent on National Signing Day 2023. Ava Bates, Addison Pytleski, Jordyn Schmittdiel, Madison Schroeder, and Sydney Whitehouse will join the Wildcats as freshmen in 2024-25.
Casey Thousand on the class: "This is an excellent start to our 2024 recruiting class. These five individuals are top notch student-athletes! Each one of them will enhance our women's basketball program and will bring something special to our locker room. We are very excited to have them join our Wildcat Family!"
Ava Bates | 6'1 | Forward/Center | St. Johns, MI | Ovid-Elsie High School
Why NMU: I chose NMU because of the home feeling when I stepped onto campus. As soon as I met the players and coaches, I felt like I was already apart of the family and culture there. I knew right away the program, team, and the school were the perfect fit for me. I can't wait, Roll Cats
Accomplishments
- 2023 Mid-Michigan All-Area 1st Team, MMAC Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, All-State
- 2022 Second Team All-Conference
- School record for most 3-pointers in a season (46)
Casey Thousand on Ava Bates: "Ava is a very athletic player who has a huge upside. We are excited to see her stretch the defense on offense while being a factor on the defensive end. Ava adds some more size to our roster. Her talent and skill will allow her to play multiple positions on the court for us. She is a great fit into our program and the NMU community."
Addison Pytleski | 5'9 | Guard | Green Bay, WI | Green Bay Southwest High School
Why NMU: I choose NMU because of the great coaches, community and academics. The first time I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. The coaches and players were very welcoming.
Accomplishments
- 2023 FRCC All-Conference & All-Defensive Team
- 2022 FRCC All-Conference
Casey Thousand on Addison Pytleski: "Addison is a quick athletic guard who has a ton of grit. Her determination and her court awareness will help us in the future. She isn't afraid to play physical and won't back down to a challenge. We are excited to add her to our program to battle in the GLIAC."
Jordyn Schmittdiel | 5'11 | Guard | White Bear Lake, MN | White Bear Lake Area High School
Why NMU: I chose Northern Michigan University because of the amazing coaching staff and I felt I had an instant connection with Coach Casey when I had my first phone call, at elite camp and my official visit. I loved the campus and how beautiful the Marquette area is. I love hiking and there were so many places to hike and explore the outdoors. I also love how competitive their program is and loved how welcoming the team was to me!
Accomplishments
- 2022-23 All-Conference, All-State Honorable Mention , MVP, Defensive Player of the Year Award
- 2021-22 4AAAA 3rd place at state, All-Conference Honorable Mention
Casey Thousand on Jordyn Schmittdiel: "Jordyn adds some more length to our guard position. She understands the game and makes the right plays in tough situations. She is versatile and can score in multiple ways on the court and will be able to handle the ball against pressure. I am excited to watch her grow into the college game and what she can bring to us in the future!"
Madison Schroeder | 5'11 | Forward | Peotone, IL | Peotone High School
Why NMU: Out of all the schools I visited, NMU just felt right for me. The university as a whole, checked many of my boxes. The climate and cultural of the basketball program is exactly what I was looking for to match my style of play and promoted teamwork. When I visited and attended camp, it felt as if I had always known and played with these people. The coaches, players and recruits were all welcoming, talented, and overall fun to be around. The NMU basketball program and coaches treat you as the whole person, not just a player. They want to develop and grow on and off the court. I just feel this is where I belong and will best prepare me for life later on!
Accomplishments
- 2023 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-State 2A Second Team
- 2023 Illinois Associated Press 2A All-State Honorable Mention
- 2023 Daily Journal All-Area
- 2023 Daily Journal Girls Basketball Player of the Year
- 2023 South Suburban Hoops All-Area First Team
- 2023 Illinois Central Eight Conference All Academic Award
- 2022-2023 Illinois Central Eight All-Conference First Team
- 2022 Beecher High School Ladycat Fall Classic All-Tournament Team
- 2022 Peotone Winter Classic All-Tournament Team
- 2022 Illinois Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention
- 2021-2022 Illinois Central Eight All-Conference First Team
- 2022 Team Top Outstanding Player Award
- 2022 MaxPreps Top 25 assists
- 2022 Daily Journal All-Area Recognition
- 2021 Varsity Girls Basketball Most Valuable Player (Defense)
- 2021 MaxPreps Top 25: assists and steals
- 2021 Daily Journal All-Area Recognition
- 2021 Illinois Central Eight All-Conference First Team
- 2021 Joliet Herald Honorable Mention
- 2021 Beecher Ladycat Fall Classic All-Tournament Recognition
Casey Thousand on Madison Schroeder: "Madison is an athletic forward who caught my attention with her athletic ability on the court. Madison is very coordinated and can catch every pass thrown her way. Her speed and quickness helps her out-run opponents. On the defensive side of the game, her wingspan helps to defend the rim. We are very excited to add her into our roster next season."
Sydney Whitehouse | 5'9 | Forward | Green Bay, WI | Norte Dame Academy High School
Why NMU: I chose NMU because it had more "WOW". Immediately, I felt kindness from the Marquette Community, it was very Midwestern friendly. The campus/buildings were striking, modern, and warm (including Starbucks ??). I felt that was a comfortable atmosphere for a Student-Athlete. The players, and coaching staff (Coaches Casey & Jordan) were very welcoming supportive throughout the recruiting process. I believe the coaches will continue to challenge me, building me to be a better teammate, and helping me master my unique role(s) to make our team "Champions". I am beyond excited and blessed on becoming a member of the Wildcat family, and continuing my academic and athletic career at NMU.
Accomplishments
- State Champion (2021, 2022, 2023)
- Second Team All-Conference
- First Team All-State Defense
Casey Thousand: "Sydney brings a winning mindset to our program. Her work ethic and precision on the court helps her team accumulate wins. She is a great teammate, who pushes everyone around her to be better. She is a great leader and will contribute to the team in any way possible! We are excited about adding Sydney to this recruiting class."
