The Master’s University women’s basketball team has signed guards Olivia Prettyman and Kelsey Zelenski to their 2019-2020 recruiting class, a group that hopes to bolster another deep run in the NAIA national tournament.

The Mustangs dipped into California’s wealth of prospects this offseason to add to its backcourt depth.

Zelenski – a product of Pleasant Valley High in Chico, California – brings a 5-foot-10 frame and a high basketball IQ to TMU. According to MaxPreps.com, she averaged 7.7 points, four rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24 games as a senior.

Master’s coach Dan Waldeck said the strong level of competition Zelenski faced as a prep will “prepare her to help contribute on the collegiate level.” As a junior, she helped lead the Vikings to the California Division 2 state title game.

“We’re thrilled to have her,” said Waldeck, the 2018-19 Golden State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. “Kelsey’s heart for the Lord shines bright from the moment you meet her. With her positive outlook and desire to honor the Lord, she fits perfectly into the type of athletes and culture we want to develop at Master’s.”

As for Prettyman, Waldeck highlighted the 5-8 guard’s “outstanding potential” and athleticism, qualities that should allow her to put the ball in the basket at a strong clip for Master’s.

As a senior at Pacific Point Christian School in Gilroy, California, Prettyman averaged 28.6 points per game, according to MaxPreps.

“She’s a natural scorer who we believe can blossom at the next level,” Waldeck said. “We look forward to her bringing the same mentality to our program.”

Like he is about Zelenski, Waldeck is excited about the relational dynamic Prettyman brings to the program.

“She has an infectious love for the Lord and others,” he said, “so we are confident that she will continue to help us maintain an especially positive team culture, centered on honoring Christ.”

Prettyman – whose sister, Alyssa, played for Waldeck – said one of her goals at Master’s is to win a national championship, an achievement the Mustangs made a valiant run at a year ago.

Master’s finished the 2018-19 season at 28-7, reaching the NAIA quarterfinals for the second time in program history behind 6-foot-6 freshman Stephanie Soares, a first-team All-American selection, and sophomore forward Anika Neuman, an honorable mention All-American.

The Mustangs’ 2019-2020 class also includes Caitlin Monten and Kaleigh Moss. A story will be posted in the coming days.