AMES – The Iowa State women’s basketball program and Head Coach Bill Fennelly announced Wednesday prep standouts who have signed on to play for the Cyclones in 2021-22. Two of Iowa State’s signees hail from the state of Tennessee, while the Cyclones’ third signee becomes Iowa State’s second-ever recruit from Canada.
“Recruiting has certainly been impacted like so many other things in our lives,” Fennelly said. “With the dead period being extended and a limit on visits, we have had to be creative. We were fortunate that we had early commitments from Maggie and Izzi in positions of great need. Also we were able to sign Denae during these unique times. This class fits the culture of our program and will add to the Iowa State Way. They are fantastic young people from families that will have an impact on our basketball and team and entire University community.”
Denae Fritz, a 5-11 guard who hails from Maryville, Tennessee, is a three-year starter at Maryville High School. Fritz averaged 21.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals per contest in her junior campaign. Fritz earned Region MVP the last two seasons, while being named to the All-District team three times. Fritz was a runner-up for Miss Basketball last season in Tennessee, while earning All-State honors. Fritz is on pace to break Maryville High School’s career rebound record this season. Despite being from Tennessee, Fritz was originally born in Ames, Iowa and both of her parents attended Iowa State University.
“Denae is the kind of guard we love at Iowa State,” Fennelly said. “She has a variety of skill sets that can impact winning in many different ways. Denae is ultra-competitive and will help our team at both ends of the floor with her versatility.”
Maggie Vick, a 6-4 forward from Morristown, Tenn., is a three-year starter for Lakeway Christian Academy. Vick is a two-time First-Team All-Conference performer and averaged 13.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game in her junior season. Vick is a top-100 prospect on prospects Nation, who helped lead her team to a 22-4 record and a NACA National Championship last season. She was named the MVP in the championship game last season and the best offensive player in the Tournament. Vick is currently the Lakeway Christian Academy’s career rebounds and blocks record holder. Also an accomplished volleyball player, she was named First-Team All-Conference, and also holds the school’s kills record.
“Maggie is a talented athlete who has excelled at multiple sports,” Fennelly said. “That along with her size will be a great fit for our system. Maggie loves to compete and that makes her someone we are excited to get into our system.”
Izzi Zingaro, a 6-4 forward, out of Bolton, Ontario, Canada, is a three-year starter at Caledon Academy. Zingaro averaged 23.6 points, 15.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the Caledon last season. Zingaro has also competed with Canada Basketball on numerous occasions. In 2017 she was a member of the U15 Team Ontario squad that finished first in the National Championship. In 2018, they finished second, while she earned a spot on the First All-Star team, averaging 10.2 points per game and 5.8 rebounds. At the U17 National Championship she and Team Ontario finished fifth.
“Izzi is a post player that fills an important need for our team,” Fennelly said. “It is exciting to add another Canadian to the Cyclone family. Izzi is also left handed which makes her harder to guard around the basket.”
