UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Two signees have inked their National Letters of Intent during the November signing period to join the Penn State Women's Basketball program and head coach Carolyn Kieger in Happy Valley.
Ymke Brouwer (Zürich, Switzerland) and Kayla Thomas (Beltsville, Md.) will comprise the Class of 2025 and bring with them accomplished athletic and academic pedigrees.
"Ymke and Kayla bring much-needed size to our roster," said Kieger. "Both have played at the highest level of basketball in their respective countries and exemplify our culture. I look forward to them elevating our competitiveness and adding to our depth immediately."
Ymke Brouwer
6-0 Guard/Forward | Zürich, Switzerland | United School of Sports
- Member of GC Zürich, Swiss professional basketball team, that plays in the Swiss Basketball League.
- Three-year participant in U-16 and U-18 European Championship on Swiss National Team.
- Averaged 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while playing in the 2019 U18 FIBA European Championship with the Swiss National Team…Ranked fourth in scoring amongst all tournament competitors.
- Led team to a U-16 Swiss Championship and a spot in the 2020 Super Cup.
- Ranked as a four-star recruit by Blue Star Europe and an "A" on GoGlobal.
Personal: Daughter of Zoran and Lia Brouwer…Has one older brother, Tjeerd…Born on Oct. 16, 2001 in Zürich, Switzerland…Plans to major in marketing or journalism at Penn State.
Why Ymke Chose Penn State: "I chose Penn State because it is the best fit for me. They have an amazing basketball program and great academics."
Kayla Thomas
6-3 Forward | Beltsville, Md. | Emerge Christian Academy
- Has guided high school team to a 76-13 record and a pair of district championships over her three full seasons.
- Named MVP of the She Got Game Classic Tournament in 2020.
- Named team captain ahead of 2020-21 high school season.
- Ranked as the No. 9 post player in the Class of 2021 and #72 overall player in the class by Girls Basketball Report.
- Ranked as the No. 90 overall player in the Class of 2021 by ASGR.
- Played AAU ball for Maryland's Team Takeover in 2020 and Boo Williams Virginia from 2017-2019.
Personal: Daughter of Mark Thomas and Tenicka Strown…Has two older brothers, Michael and Mark, and one older sister, Maya…Mother, Tenicka Strown, played volleyball and basketball and ran track at Mississippi Valley State and was a two-time MVSU Female Athlete of the Year and inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2008…Plans to major in criminology at Penn State.
Why Kayla Chose Penn State: "I chose Penn State because it's an excellent academic school that has my exact major, and I wanted to be a part of building a championship team."