NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans head women's basketball coach Keeshawn Carter immediately addressed a need on Wednesday by signing three student-athletes who stand at least six feet tall.
A year after having no player taller than 5-11 on the roster, Carter in one day has added three players who will add considerable height to the rotation.
All three are anticipated to make an immediate impact for the Lady Privateers after earning regional or conference honors during their respective sophomore seasons in the junior college ranks.
Forwards Tynes Bradshaw of Miami-Dade Community College (Fla.) and Amber Clay of Holmes Community College (Miss.) prepped in the Florida and Arkansas, respectively before two years at the junior college level.
Denmark junior national team member Melissa Jensen rounds out the trio. The native of Aarhus, Denmark played collegiately at Lee McRae College (N.C.) before competing last season at Cypress College (Calif.).
All three players will have two years of eligibility remaining when they arrive on campus in the fall. The trio is expected to make their debut on Nov. 9 at Lakefront Arena with the Lady Privateers in the first game of a scheduled doubleheader with the UNO men's squad.
Bios of all three players, in addition to a quote from Carter, the student-athlete and their junior college coaches are available below.
2012 UNO Women's Basketball Signing Class (as of May 9, 2012)
Tynes Bradshaw, G/F, 6-0, Miami, FL (Miami HS/Miami Dade CC)
Amber Clay, F, 6-1, Blytheville, Ark. (Blytheville HS/Holmes CC)
Melissa Jensen, F, 6-1, Aarhus, Denmark (Marselisborg Gymnasium/Lees McRae College/Cypress College)
MEET THE PLAYERS
Born Tynes Tatyanna Bradshaw on October 4, 1991… Played two seasons at Miami Dade CC under head coach Susan Summons… During sophomore season, named an honorable mention member of the All-Southern Conference team… Played in 16 games… Averaged 3.7 points while playing a large part on the defensive end with 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 steals a contest…During freshman campaign, helped team to Florida Community College Athletic Association state championship tournament after winning the 2011 Southern Conference championship… Freshman season, averaged 2.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and .8 blocks an outing… Twice named an All-Dade County Honorable Mention selection (2007 & 2008) during prep career under head coach Sam 'Boozer' Baumgarten…Mother, Samantha Norris… Siblings, Andre Norris and McCalvin Bradshaw… Psychology Major.
“I choose UNO because the atmosphere is perfect for me. Coach Carter took interest in me and I respect her greatly for that. I fell in love with New Orleans with my first visit.” – Tynes Bradshaw
“Tynes Bradshaw is very goal oriented and has a tough mindset. She finished this year as a member of the 2012 All Southern Conference Honorable Mention team. Tynes Bradshaw's greatest basketball is still yet ahead of her and the University of New Orleans will benefit from her bubbly personality, high energy, basketball IQ on the floor, tenacious rebounding, multiple position ability and her work ethic to always reach for the stars and accomplish her dreams. I am glad that Miami Dade College Women's Basketball program was able to provide the vacuum for Bradshaw to do just that. Now the MDC graduate brings the legacy to the University of New Orleans where she will be a difference maker.” – Miami-Dade CC head coach Susan Summons
“The word 'persistent' comes to mind when I think about Tynes Bradshaw. Though she has faced some adversities, she is an over-comer and I believe that she will have a successful career here at UNO. Ty is an athlete who can present match-up problems. She is capable of playing both the guard and forward positions. Ty's enthusiastic cheerful personality along with her passion and drive to be successful is welcomed here at UNO.” – UNO head coach Keeshawn Carter
Born Amber Ardella Carrie Clay on September. 29, 1992… As a sophomore, played in 24 games on a 17-7 Holmes CC team that reached the Region XXIII semifinals... Averaged eight points and 5.5 rebounds per contest... Shot 47 percent from the field... During freshman campaign, helped Holmes CC to a 13-9 record and participation in both the MACJC State Tournament and Region XXIII Tournament... Letterwinner at Blytheville HS under head coach Melissa Young… As a senior at Blytheville HS, averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a contest on way to being a 5A All-State selection... Participant in Sun Senior Classic All-Star Game in 2010, featuring top players from northeast Arkansas... Also ran track and field, competing in the discus and shot put… Earned All-Conference honors in track, volleyball and softball… Parents, Alvin and Omia Clay… Siblings, Ashley Clay, Dana Owens, Corey Clay and Alvin Clay Jr… Communications major.
“I believe that I can make a difference, not just by myself, but with the help of the team, and the positive outlook that Coach Carter has already. I believe I can help turn this team around. Also, UNO seems to be a place where I can further my education with no problem. Not saying it's going to be easy, but I will always have somebody there to help me along when I need it most. That's why I chose The University of New Orleans for me.” – Amber Clay
"Amber is a fine young lady with a great work ethic and strong desire to be the best. She has been a tremendous asset and a great leader for our program. We wish her all the best as she moves on to the University of New Orleans. – Former Holmes Community College head coach Ron Aldy (retired)
"Amber's friendly personality off of the court is totally opposite of her demeanor on the court. When it is time to go to work, she is not so nice. She works tirelessly on the inside but will also get out and run the floor. I look forward to seeing her do great things and I am elated about her future here at UNO." – UNO head coach Keeshawn Carter
Born Melissa Diane Jensen on Nov. 12, 1990 in Frederikshavn, Denmark... During sophomore campaign with Cypress College under direction of Margaret Mohr, led team with 11 points and 6.8 rebounds per game... The season and a 10-2 record in the Orange Empire Conference earned the forward a spot on the All-Conference first-team and third team All-State... Nominated for 'Outstanding Graduate of the Year' at Cypress College after posting a 4.0 grade-point average… As a freshman at Lees McRae College, played in 26 games and started 14... Averaged 4.8 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 46.8 percent from the field... Had a remarkable career in Denmark's youth leagues, winning the U16 National Championship and receiving the national title game's MVP honors... Also finished second in the U18 National Championship a few years later... Has competed at multiple international tournaments with the Danish Youth National team... Parents, Dolores and Ove Jensen... Siblings, Melanie and Maddie Jensen.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Lady Privateer family. I am not very familiar with the area, but Coach Carter has been great throughout the whole recruiting process and I could not be happier. I am looking forward to keep developing as a student-athlete in the classroom and on the court, and I look forward to face new challenges and to be a part of re-establishing this basketball program.” – Melissa Jensen
“We are so happy for Melissa Jensen on signing a full-ride scholarship to University of New Orleans. She has worked hard and her hard work has paid off! We are excited to watch Melissa blossom and contribute on University of New Orleans Women's Basketball Team as she had at Cypress College. Go Privateers!” – Cypress College head coach Margaret Mohr
“I am very excited about Melissa joining our family. She exemplifies the student-athlete that we want at the University of New Orleans. Melissa's success both in the classroom and on the court is to be commended. She has managed to make all A's while consistently improving on the court. She will have an immediate impact on our team due to her maturity and her versatility. She can post up but she can also step out and knock down the outside shot. “ – UNO head coach Keeshawn Carter
