The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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36 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2025 U -M signed three players to its 2025 class on Nov. 13 in guard McKenzie Mathurin and forwards Jessica Fields and Ciara Byars. Each is ranked inside the top-100 recruits on ESPN. "It was really important for us as a staff to follow up this year's recruiting class with another strong class for 2025," head coach Kim Barnes Arico said via a U-M release. "We knew we needed to add some dynamic post play, size and rebounding ability. We feel like we re- ally targeted this class with that in mind, while also adding another explosive guard to our young core. The three of them really complement each other and add exactly what we need to our current group. "This group was able to spend a lot of time with our current team, and they fit what our program is all about. They are connected and are such great teammates. We talk all the time about our culture and how important that is for us. These three check all the boxes in terms of talent and are also great culture kids, great people and great students. We are thrilled that they will be joining our team." Mathurin, from Broken Arrow (Okla.) High, is the first player from the state of Oklahoma ever to sign with the U-M program, and she ranks No. 37 overall on the ESPN Top 100 list. She averaged 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.3 assists per game during her junior year. "Kenzie is just going to add more depth and another layer to our already strong guard group which will be return- ing next year," Barnes Arico said. "She is a really dynamic guard who can score at all three levels, can handle the point guard position and can play off the ball. She shoots the ball extremely well, has great pace to her game, can fin- ish going to the basket and has a super high IQ. She is a great leader and will be able to come in and contribute with our returning class." Fields, who hails from Kennesaw, Ga., is the younger sister of former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. She is ranked as the No. 99 overall player in the coun- try and a preseason all-state player for Mount Paran Christian School. "Jess is going to bring another level of athleticism to our program," Barnes Arico said. "She is a game changer with what she can do on the basketball court. Her shot-blocking ability is tremendous, and she really has a knack to rebound the ball. "She finishes so well around the rim with incredible bounce. She is terrific at drawing fouls and getting to the free- throw line. Her feel for the game is next- level and her motor is special. She is someone who will make an impact for us on both sides of the floor." Byars, from Paris, Ky., checks in at No. 65 on ESPN's rankings and was once ranked as high as 37th before an injury last winter. She averaged 14.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year and has been a varsity player at George Rogers Clark High since 7th grade. "We are super excited about the ver- satility, size and athleticism that Ciara has," Barnes Arico said. "She can play multiple positions, which is something we really need. She can score with her back to the basket, but she can also be that face-up decision-maker who can put it on the floor. She has a nose for the basketball with a tremendous ability to rebound. "She really is a student of the game with a basketball IQ that is off the charts. She has a toughness and an edge that is perfect for our program." — Anthony Broome ❱ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Michigan Inks Three Standouts During Early Signing Period McKenzie Mathurin, a guard from Broken Arrow (Okla.) High who is the No. 37 girls basketball recruit in the nation, headlines U-M's class with two other top-100 players in ESPN's rankings, for- wards Jessica Fields and Ciara Byars. PHOTO COURTESY MCKENZIE MATHURIN What The Signees Said "I chose the University of Michigan because of the family atmosphere I felt on campus. Coach Arico, everyone else on staff, and the current players made Michigan feel like my future home! I also have to thank my mom for all her help in this process. She is the reason I'm where I am today; she's pushed me to go 110 percent every day, has shown me to never be satisfied and always strive to reach my next level." — McKenzie Mathurin "I chose Michigan because of the team culture. I could tell they are a very close team, and that's what I was looking for. I was also looking for a program that would help develop me as a player and a person. I feel like the coaches at Michigan can help me reach my full potential. Most importantly, the academics played a huge role in my decision as well." — Jessica Fields "I chose Michigan because the moment I stepped on campus it felt like home. From the girls to the coaches and everything the block M represents, I instantly fell in love. My family and I truly believe in what Coach Arico is building and are excited to be part of it. Go Blue!" — Ciara Byars