JOHNSON, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson women's basketball program and Head Coach Greg Eckman have tabbed another in-state commitment for the 2019-2020 basketball season. Halie Tillotson of Peacham, Vermont has signed the necessary paperwork and will join the Badger's this upcoming Fall.
Halie Tillotson a member of the Danville High School girls' varsity basketball program earned All-League Mountain Division honors throughout her career at Danville High School. In her senior season, Tillotson was named to the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association North/South All-Star Game and represented the North in the contest. Tillotson played for Head Coach Jim Wilkins. Wilkins believes the commitment that Hailie has will propel her to a smooth transition into the college game. ""You will be as happy to have Halie on your team as I was. I had the pleasure of coaching her for 5 years. She is one of the most dedicated players I have ever coached", Said Wilkins. ""Halie is respectful of her teammates, coaches, officials and opponents. All the above qualities made her a great captain/leader of our basketball program. Halie will transition well to a college program simply due to her desire and love of the game."
Tillotson knew that NVU-Johnson was the right fit for her from the beginning. "I chose NVU-Johnson because the campus is incredibly beautiful, the people are so kind, and they had exactly what I was looking for to study. I plan on getting a bachelor's degree in biology and becoming a wildlife biologist", said Tillotson.
On the court Tillotson believes that the transition to the collegiate game will be challenging but knows that she will be prepared. "I have watched the teams practice and they are all very close to each other. I can't wait to be a part of the family and hopefully add to it. I am extremely excited to play for Coach Eckman. He has been very persistent in his recruiting process and I know that this is the perfect fit for me. I know I will make some mistakes, but I know I can count on him to lift me back up".
The guard will bring depth to the Badgers incoming class and Coach Eckman has high hopes for Tillotson and the rest of the 2019 incoming class. "Halie and the incoming 2019 class brings a great level of passion, excitement and love for the game of basketball. I'm very excited to see them and our returning playing work together over the next few years. When I first started recruiting Halie we were extremely impressed with her court vision, how she is able to set her teammate up for success especially with in a set offense and in transition. She is a hawk on defense, plays the passing lanes great and have great defensive court awareness. Halie has the ability to not only get her teammates involved, but also score the ball when needed. She can hit the 3 and attack the rim."