CLINTON, Iowa – Ashford University Head Women's Basketball Coach Amy Eagan announced on Friday that Jessica Mlachnik has committed to continuing her academic and athletic careers as a Saint.  This marks the ninth commitment for the 2012 squad and fourth from the state of Wisconsin.

Mlachnik, a Muskego, Wis.-native, just recently wrapped up her senior year at Muskego High School where she was a standout athlete in basketball and soccer.  Following this past winter, she was named First Team All-Southeast Conference and was a Wisconsin Associated Press Honorable Mention All-State selection after compiling 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.  This earned her a spot on the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches' Association Division I All-Star team.

Mlachnik was also a Second Team All-Southeast Conference selection following her junior year on the court while earning league Honorable Mention recognition as a sophomore.

"We are extremely excited to have Jess joining our Ashford WBB family this fall and I look for Jess to bring an immediate impact to our program both on and off the court," said Eagan.  "Her athleticism, work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership are second-to-none and I expect her to bring a top notch mentality to our team.  Jess is a high character kid that I look forward to coaching the next four years."

In addition, she earned a pair of First Team All-Southeast Conference accolades in soccer and placed third in Southeast Conference Player of the Year voting as a senior.  The incoming Saint was also a Second Team All-SC pick on the pitch as a sophomore.

Jessica is the daughter of Dan and Beth Mlachnik and intends to study elementary education when she steps foot on campus this August.  She was coached in high school by Brian Hirtz and competed for the Wisconsin Impact AAU program under the guidance of Holly Spoo.

The Impact are the largest AAU girls basketball program in Wisconsin and boast ten college-bound players on their most recent top team, including four NCAA Division-I student-athletes.

Other members of the 2012 AU Women's Basketball Commitment Class
Erica Withey - Park Falls, Wis. (Chequamegon HS)
Clare Gloede - Madison, Wis. (LaFollette HS)
Brittany Wilson - Country Club Hills, Ill. (Hillcrest HS)
Griffin Reed - Washington, Iowa (Iowa City West HS)
Sara Placher - Minooka, Ill. (Minooka HS)
Heather Chapman - Ingleside, Ill (College of Lake County)
Courtney Bredlow - Altoona, Iowa (Southeast Polk HS)
Elizabeth Nardi – De Pere, Wis. (De Pere HS)