IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine women's basketball head coach Tamara Inoue has announced the signing of five prep standouts to National Letters of Intent. Tahlia Garza, Daniella Guglielmo, Jordan Sanders, Alexus Seaton and Haleigh Talbert will join the 'Eaters in 2017-18.

"I am so excited to have my first class here at UCI be so strong," Inoue said. "As soon as my assistants and I arrived here, we hit the ground running and were fortunate to commit some great players."

Tahlia Garza (Morgan Hill, Calif.) is in her senior year under head coach Sue Phillips at Archbishop Mitty High School. A 6-foot-2 center, Garza averaged 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game as a junior. She led Mitty to its second-straight league title and the Central Coast Section Open Division championship in 2015-16. They finished the season with a 23-4 overall record, while they were ranked ninth in the nation and fifth in the state. Garza was recognized for her efforts as she earned first-team All-West Catholic Athletic League, third-team All-Central Coast Section and third-team All-Mercury News honors. In addition, she was named the Monarchs' Defensive Player of the Year. As a sophomore, Garza and her teammates won the NorCal Championship and claimed the CIF Division II State title. She is the 16th-ranked player in the country at her position.

"Tahlia is our No. 1 recruit and I wake up every day with a huge smile on my face knowing she is coming to our program," Inoue said. "She comes from a high school team that is ranked nationally, and has been taught the game very well by her coach Sue Phillips. Tahlia expects and knows how to win, and with the hard work instilled in her, the sky is the limit." 

Daniella (Dani) Guglielmo is a 5-foot-9 guard out of Los Gatos, Calif., and is a teammate of Garza's at Archbishop Mitty High School. As a junior, Guglielmo helped the Monarchs win the 2016 Central Coast Section Open Division championship, along with their second consecutive West Catholic Athletic League title. They finished the 2015-16 campaign with a 23-4 overall record, and were ranked ninth in the nation and fifth in the state. During Guglielmo's sophomore year, Mitty also claimed the CIF Division II State and NorCal championships. Guglielmo is a two-time All-WCAL selection.

"Dani is that shooter who I like to always carry on my team," Inoue said. "She is a proven winner with her high school team and will be able to come in and make our team better every day." 

Jordan Sanders is a four-year letterwinner under head coach Jim Pendergrass at Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Mo. The 5-foot-11 forward is a three-time All-Ozark Conference first team and defensive team selection. As a junior, Sanders led the Chiefs to a 29-3 record as they won their second-straight District title and the 2016 Class 5 state championship. Sanders, who scored 20 points in the state finals, finished the year averaging 15.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per outing. She earned all-state recognition and was named to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Ozarks team. Sanders is also a top thrower on the track and field team as she is a state champion in the javelin and a two-time district champion in the discus.

"Jordan is that player you can count on in crunch time," Inoue said. "Her length and wingspan creates a mismatch on both ends of the court. Jordan comes from a winning program and I am looking for her to be an immediate impact to our program next year."

Alexus Seaton is a four-year starter under head coach Gemma Lappa at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. As a junior, Seaton led the Yellowjackets to the District 7-5A championship as she averaged 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.0 blocks and 5.0 steals per game. The 5-foot-10 point guard was named the District 7-5A MVP and garnered Star-Telegram All-Area honors. Seaton, a three-time first-team all-league selection, was also tabbed the 2014-15 District 7-5A Offensive MVP and the 2013-14 District 7-5A Newcomer of the Year. 

"Alexus is that tall guard who invites competition every day," Inoue said. "She is a competitor and is not afraid to have the ball in her hands. Alexus is a crafty guard who will bring presence right away on the court." 

Haleigh Talbert (Euless, Texas) is in her senior season under head coach Sue Cannon at Euless Trinity High School. The 5-foot-4 guard is a three-time all-district selection, earning first-team recognition as a sophomore and junior. She led the Trojans to the District 7-6A championship last year. Talbert is also a three-time first-team all-academic honoree.

"Haleigh is a combo guard who played for Texas United EYBL and made it to the Nike Nationals," Inoue said. "Her ability to score and defend in the open court, and the energy she will bring to UCI is going to be an invaluable piece to our program."

2017-18 UCI Women's Basketball Recruiting Class - Early Signing Period
Tahlia Garza, 6-2, Center, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty HS)
Daniella Guglielmo, 5-9, Guard, Los Gatos, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty HS)
Jordan Sanders, 5-11, Forward, Springfield, Mo. (Kickapoo HS)
Alexus Seaton, 5-10, Point Guard, Fort Worth, Texas (Arlington Heights HS)
Haleigh Talbert, 5-4, Guard, Euless, Texas (Euless Trinity HS)