The Tennessee Tech women's basketball program added a significant player to its 2021 recruiting class Wednesday afternoon when Signal Mountain's Olivia Koontz made a nonbinding commitment to the Cookeville program.
A three-year varsity star, the 6-foot-3 Koontz has been a dominating presence in the post for the Lady Eagles.
Koontz had fans buzzing at this past season's Times Free Press Best of Preps basketball tournament when she sent Signal Mountain home as champion with a buzzer-beating putback basket to defeat Baylor.
Her versatility has shined throughout a high school career in which she has amassed 1,592 points, 832 rebounds, 215 blocks, 140 steals and 100 assists.
"I have loved basketball for as long as I can remember," said Koontz, who has helped Signal Mountain to 67 wins and an incredible 39-2 regular-season record against District 6-AA competition. "I have always wanted to push myself and team to greater heights, and this opportunity is allowing one of my dreams to become a reality. I love Tech because their culture is so genuine and they pride themselves on hard work and family."
Staff photo / Signal Mountain's Olivia Koontz prepares to pass during the Times Free Press Best of Preps girls' basketball tournament title game against Baylor on Jan. 4 at Chattanooga State.Koontz is the second Lady Eagles player to commit to a Division I basketball program after fellow rising senior Lamiah Walker committed to Austin Peay in April. Both teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"I can run the floor very well, and I love the physicality of playing in the post," Koontz said. "I have a pretty good shooting range as well. I would love to develop some more moves for a 1-on-1 situation from the 3-point line or high post and adding more quickness as well.
"I want to help our team win a region semifinal. No Signal Mountain (girls' basketball) team has ever been able to get past that game, and I want to make history with all of my teammates, but especially my fellow seniors."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.