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BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont women's basketball program will add six players to the roster for the 2015-16 season. Canadian natives Lauren Handy (Sarnia, Ontario), Hayley Robertson (Toronto, Ontario) and twin sisters Candice and Courtney Wright (Cambridge, Ontario), along with Anna-Maria Manta from Peiraisas, Greece and Andreana Thomas (West Haven, Conn.), a graduate transfer from Hofstra, will continue their basketball careers at Vermont next season, head coach Lori Gear McBride made the announcement.
 
"We are very pleased with our incoming class. Not only are they all talented, but they are hardworking, good character young women that will fit in well with the values of our program and the University community," said Gear McBride. "When we put this recruiting class, our goal was to attract players that possess a winning mindset, could contribute right away and provide depth to our base of young talent. It is also great to continue the tradition of Canadian players in our program."
 

Handy is a 6-2 forward and played at Northern Collegiate High School. She led the Vikings to the city title as a freshman in 2011 and the team has advanced to the OFSAA Tournament every season, finishing in the top four each year with a team-best second place finish in 2013. Handy has also been a member of Team Ontario for several seasons and competed in the U.S. Junior Nationals and the Canada Summer Games.
 
"Lauren is a scorer. At 6-2, she can step out and shoot the three or post up on the low block," said Gear McBride.
 

Robertson is a 5-8 guard and played scholastically at Bill Crothers High School, the same school that current men's basketball standout Trae Bell-Haynes attended. Robertson, a team captain as a senior, led Bill Crothers to a pair of tournament titles this season. She also played with the Brampton Warriors at the provincial level in the Junior Elite League. The Warriors were silver medalists and regular season champions, posting an unbeaten record in 2013. The team placed second in the JUEL regular season in 2014.

"Hayley is a strong, traditional point guard who will provide us with great depth at a position that is vitally important.  She has a high basketball IQ and guard skill set," said Gear McBride.
 

The Wright sisters are 6-0 forwards and played at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School. The Wright's also played their club basketball for the K-W Lightning, the same organization that produced former Catamounts May Kotsopoulos '10 and Aaron Yantzi '04. The K-W Lightning won the Ontario Basketball Association Gold Medal in 2013.
 
Courtney also played volleyball and was a member of the track and field team at Jacob Hespeler. She led the volleyball team to the WCSSAA and CWOSSA Championships in 2012, while setting the WCSSAA record in the triple jump in track and field.
 
"Courtney is a slashing wing/forward who is only scratching the surface of her basketball potential. Her versatility and skill set make her a match-up problem for opposing defenders. She is an impact rebounder as well. Candice is a strong post player who has great agility and skill. She is able to face up and take defenders off the dribble in addition to her ability to score around the rim," said Gear McBride.  

Robertson and the Wright sisters competed in the JUEL (Junior Elite League) Championships last month, with the Wright's leading the Tri County Thunder to the title. Candice Wright and Robertson were selected to the JUEL All-Star team.

Manta is a 5-10 guard and attended American Community Schools in Athens, Greece. She helped the team earn first place in the PanHellenic Tournament in 2012, after finishing third in 2011. Manta was MVP of the conference tournament in 2011 and earned a spot on the all-star team in the Tournament of American Schools in 2014. She has been a member of the Greek National Team since 2011. Manta played for the Greek teams in the U16 and U18 European Championships in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

"Anna-Maria brings a unique European style of play to our team. She is a playmaker first, but has the ability to put points on the board as well. Her ability to create for others and for herself will bring an important element to our offense," said Gear McBride.
 
Thomas graduated from Hofstra in the spring of 2015, but has one year of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2014-15 season. A 5-4 guard, she played in 72 games for the Pride and was one of three players to start all 31 games during the 2012-13 campaign. She averaged 9.3 points and 6.3 assists per game over her final two seasons at Hofstra.
 

"Anytime you can add experience to your roster it is a great opportunity for an immediate upgrade. Andreana has played at a high level and is an energetic and dynamic playmaker. We are thrilled to have her in our graduate program at UVM and as a member of our team," said Gear McBride.
 
The Catamounts will return eight letterwinners, including leading scorer and America East All-Rookie selection Sydney Smith (13.2 ppg).