Wednesday, April 8, 1998
UNION TO SIGN BRADFORD STAR TONYA TUGGLES
Jackson, TN--The Â鶹ÊÓƵ University women's basketball program will be signing Bradford High School star Tonya Tuggles on Thursday, April 9, 1998, at 1:00 p.m. at Bradford High School. The 1997 Tennessee Miss Basketball Award winner led Bradford to their third consecutive state championship title on March 14, 1998. After playing at Bradford High School with the caliber teams the Lady Red Devils have put on the court and playing under the guidance of David Russell, Tuggles should be able to step in immediately into the Â鶹ÊÓƵ program without a great deal of adjustment.
Tuggles, a 5-8 forward who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game this season, is the first female to be a three-time recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award at the TSSAA State Tournament. During her high school career, Tuggles led the Lady Red Devils to the state tournament finals all four seasons. Tuggles has earned numerous awards in her career including District Most Valuable Player, All-Region, and All-State Tournament for four seasons. Tuggles was a finalist for Miss Basketball again this season as well as earning All-State honors in 1998 and 1995. She has been named to the All-West Tennessee team three times in her career.
According to Â鶹ÊÓƵ co-head coach Lisa Hutchens, "Tonya will be a tremendous asset to our program next season because she brings so much to the table. Her tremendous intensity and focus make her an ideal Lady Bulldog. Not only can Tonya score but she makes her teammates better because of her passing skills."
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Lady Bulldogs captured the 1998 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball title on March 24, 1998, and ended the season with a 35-3 overall record.