SAN DIEGO – Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson has announced the signing of two 6’3” post players: Mayenabasi Akpan from South Medford, Oregon and Mairead Hearty from Denver, Colo. It’s the first time under Terry-Hutson (13th season) that the Aztecs have signed multiple players that are 6’3” or taller out of high school.
Akpan is a standout at South Medford High School in Oregon where she was an All-state selection and league MVP last year. She broke on the scene as a sophomore when she helped lead her school a 26-3 record and to the 6A state championship while breaking the 6A OSAA state tournament rebound record, which was previously set by Stanford All-American and current Los Angeles Spark Cameron Brink. In the quarterfinals that year, she had 19 points and 18 rebounds.
Last season, South Medford went 22-6 and lost in the state quarterfinals to the eventual champion.
“I chose to attend San Diego State because I love the Aztecs’ competitive play style, the school’s commitment to their student-athletes, and the culture that Coach Stacie and all the staff have built,” Akpan explained. “I love the welcoming family atmosphere.”
“Mayenabasi is an unbelievable athlete,” Terry-Hutson said. “She can run the floor, defend the post and is an elite rebounder. Her potential is limitless.”
Akpan is also a standout volleyball player, earning First Team All-State honors as a middle blocker and outside hitter while also being named her league’s MVP each of the past two seasons.
Hearty has made the Denver 6A All-City Team three times and averaged a double-double as both a sophomore and junior. Last year, she helped Denver East High School make the Elite Eight for the first time in 12 years.
“I chose to come to San Diego State because I really love the coaching staff and the program,” Hearty explained. “When I came on my visit, I loved the campus, and I felt like I really connected with the players and the team’s goals.”
Hearty has been a team captain all four years and shot 90 percent from the line last year.
“Mairead has some of the best footwork I’ve ever seen coming out of high school,” Terry-Hutson said. “She is highly skilled with great touch and will put the work in to improve.”