SAN DIEGO – Aztec women's basketball head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson has announced the signing of Mercedes Staples, a transfer from the University of Minnesota. A 5'10" guard from Centerville, Utah, Staples will be eligible midway through the 2020-21 season as a junior.
"We are thrilled to add Mercedes to our program," Terry-Hutson said. "She is an incredible shooter and a dynamic offensive threat that brings power five experience to our team. She has a vivacious personality that will fit in great with our program and culture."
"I am grateful for the opportunity San Diego State has given me. I was looking for a school where I could add value and further my development," Staples explained. "The coaching staff has followed me throughout my high school and AAU career, and they know my style of play and feel that I will be a great fit within their system. I had a great connection between the players and coaches which made my decision even easier. I am excited to be a part of SDSU and its community and look forward to making those around me successful."
Staples appeared in 25 games and made two starts for the Golden Gophers as a freshman (2018-19) averaging 3.4 points in 14.8 minutes. This season started the season opener for Minnesota and played in eight games before deciding to transfer.
Staples had the best game of her career against Northern Iowa in last year's WNIT when she made four three-pointers, scored 14 points and dished out six assists.
A four-star 2018 recruit out of Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah, Staples was ranked as the No. 64 player in the country by ESPN.com. As a senior, she averaged 22.4 points, 4.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals and helped her school reach the Class 5A quarterfinals. After the season she was named a First Team All-State selection by the Salt Lake Tribune.
Staples was a starter on varsity all four years at Viewmont and increased her scoring average from 11.8 points per game as a freshman to 16.6 as a sophomore and 18.1 as a junior. She was a three-time Class 5A All-State selection and helped Viewmont High School reach the state championship game as a junior.
Staples is the fourth addition to SDSU's 2020-21 squad. She joins incoming freshmen Asia Avinger, Kimberly Villalobos and Flo Vinerte. The Aztecs will lose four seniors to graduation following this season: Zayn Dornstauder, Taylor Kalmer, Monique Terry and Baylee Vanderdoes.