Barnum Standout Commits to UMD

Sept 29

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

Barnum senior Katrina Newman has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth to attend college and play basketball for the Lady Bulldogs. Newman, a three sport standout, made the commitment to UMD early so she can spend her senior year focusing on her academics and sports.

Newman had offers from several other colleges, including the Main “U”, to attend and play basketball, but it came down to her “wanting to play close to home,” she said. “I have always wanted to play for UMD and now it will happen…I live in a small town, a small community, and I like that UMD is close so my parents can see me play,” she added.

Newman told Northland Sports Online she really liked that the Bulldogs women’s basketball program seemed to be turning things around and heading in the right direction. Annette Wiles, the new head basketball coach for the Bulldogs, will be directing a young team that was one of the most improved teams last year and are alos noted for academic excellence.

Newman said her parents Richard and Corina are the most influential people in her life and have given her a firm foundation to build upon as she take takes the next step in life. Katrina Newman also told NSO she really “learned from former Barnum standout Colleen McKay what hard work and practice it takes to be a great player.” She was “very influential when it came to my success as a basketball player.”

Newman has had many achievements in her sporting career so far. She was named the Northland Sports Online girls basketball player of the year, Polar League MVP, a 2008 all area selection, as well as being named twice to the all-tournament teams at the girls state basketball tournament. Newman was also a Fox prep sports athlete of the week and a Northland Sports Online all area softball team member.

Newman is a standout on the softball field as well as the volleyball court, excelling in these sports as well as basketball.
However, basketball is Katrina’s true sport. This winter she will close in on 2000 career points. Katrina averaged 22 points per game last season and is looking to lead the Bombers back to the state tournament for the fourth time in five seasons.

Northland Sports Online would like to wish continued success to Katrina in all of her future goals and also recognize her for her hard work and dedication not only as an athlete, but a student as well.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com