Ashland University’s newest women’s basketball recruit Corri Vermilya is making headlines even before she steps foot on a college court. Vermilya is a senior at nearby Loudonville High School, just a 27-minute drive down Route 60 in Ashland County.

Vermilya is currently chasing former women’s basketball player Renee Stimpert who played with the Eagles from 2016-2020 and holds the Ashland County record for points scored in a career with 2,305 points for Ashland Crestview. Currently, Vermilya has scored 2,076 points and needs 229 points to surpass the Ashland County legend.  

Due to her success on the court, Vermilya has been recognized for her efforts and was selected as a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

“The players selected for the McDonald’s All-American game are incredible and I feel very honored to even have my name on a list next to theirs”, said Vermilya.

Throughout recent years, she has relied heavily on her faith as she pushes through challenges that may arise both in life, and on the court.

“I’m humbled and honored to serve a God that carries me through those challenges and uses them to grow my faith and make me stronger,” she said.

Head Coach of the Loudonville Redbirds, Tyler Bates, has always recognized her work ethic and drive to compete.

“While a lot of HS kids fail to add to their game over their careers, Corri has worked tirelessly to get where she is today, improving in so many areas,” said Bates. “She has a high IQ on the court and a great combination of physical and mental toughness.”

Her skill on the court, drive to find success and toughness, has resulted in Ashland University providing the high schooler with an offer to play for the highly-touted Division II program.

“Ashland University has an outstanding women’s basketball program, but their academic standards are right there as well. Growing as an athlete and student are both very important to me,” said Vermilya. “But, growing as a person and in my faith ranks even higher on my list, and I think attending AU and playing for Coach Pickens and Coach J is the perfect place for me to do that.”

With Vermilya taking the next step to the collegiate level, she leaves behind the Redbirds and Coach Bates. However, Bates is excited to see the player he saw develop over her time in high school only grow more in college.

“We are all thrilled to see Corri at Ashland University in Coach Pickens’ program, Whether it is in the weight room, conditioning, practicing, studying film, in the classroom, or the community,” he said. “Corri is pretty locked in and committed and I do not doubt that she can come in and try to help an already elite, one-of-a-kind program, become even better”.  

The Eagles’ newest recruit will next compete on Feb.17 as the Redbirds take on Columbia Station at 1:00 pm at home.