GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Head coach Jessica Yonkers is excited to announce the addition of four more athletes to her first ever recruiting class at Cornerstone University as she gets set to begin her second season at the helm of the Golden Eagles women's basketball program. Kennedy Helderop, Marissa Koetsier, Savannah Mitchell, and Sara VanDerWeide will all join the Golden Eagles, bringing head coach Jessica Yonkers recruiting class up to a total of eight incoming freshmen. 
 
Kennedy Helderop – Dorr, Mich. 
Kennedy joins Cornerstone after graduating from Hopkins High School where she was a guard for the Vikings. She finished her career as a two-time First Team All-Conference player as well as won the Offense Award. Kennedy holds the school record for steals and assists in a season and she broke the record for points in a single game at Hopkins. She also ranks second in school history in points in a season. Kennedy is the daughter of Scott and Becky Helderop and will major in Mathematics at CU. 
 
Why CU? 
"I chose Cornerstone because it is very close to home and I like the community atmosphere." – Kennedy Helderop
 



Marissa Koetsier – Holland, Mich. 
Marissa joins Cornerstone after graduating from Unity Christian High School where she played the guard position for the Crusaders. In high school, Marissa capped off her career by being named a 2019 First Team All-Conference player. Marissa is the daughter of Ken and Amy Koetsier and is undecided in her major as she gets set to attend Cornerstone in the fall of 2019. 
 
Why CU? 
"I chose Cornerstone because of the friendly atmosphere I felt on campus when I visited. I noticed how lots of people said hi and smiled at me, and the little things like that made me feel at home. Also, my sister goes to CU and she loves it so she encouraged me to look into and visit which I enjoyed a lot, especially warm cookie Friday!" – Marissa Koetsier
 


Savannah Mitchell – New Lenox, Ill. 
Savannah comes to Cornerstone from Lincoln Way Central High School in New Lenox, Illinois. Savannah is the daughter of Paul and Amy Mitchell who are both graduates of Cornerstone University. She will major in Physical Education starting in the fall of 2019. 
 
Why CU? 
"Both my parents are alumni here and I really wanted to be pushed out of my comfort zone and go wherever the Lord leads me." – Savannah Mitchell
 


Sara VanDerWeide – Wayland, Mich. 
Sarah comes to Cornerstone from Wayland Union High School just south of Grand Rapids. Sara is the daughter of Dan and Tracey VanDerWeide and will major in Environmental Biology while at Cornerstone. 
 
Why CU? 
"Cornerstone offered a unique Christ-like environment and from the moment I stepped on campus I knew I was surrounded by peers, professors, and coaches that cared about me and were passionate about their work." 


 
Head Coach Jessica Yonkers and the Golden Eagles will open the 2019-2020 season vs. Grace Christian on October 24 at 7 p.m.