Valpo women’s basketball head coach Mary Evans announced today that Hoosier State standout Ali Saunders (Depauw, Ind./North Harrison/Indiana Elite) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Valpo program.

“We’re excited to welcome Ali to Valparaiso University and to our program,” Evans said. “Ali is a high-level talent. She is a true dual threat with her ability to create offense for herself and her ability to facilitate for her teammates. Her height at the point guard position allows her to see the game well, and she has great instincts for the game. We’re thrilled to have Ali on board and look forward to when she steps on campus to join us!”

Saunders has been a standout for North Harrison H.S. since first stepping foot on the court for them as a freshman. She was a First Team All-State selection by both Hoosier Basketball Magazine and the ICGSA last season after earning Third Team All-State honors from both the magazine and Prep Girls Hoops Indiana for the 2019-20 campaign.

“I chose Valpo because of the academic success of their students, as well as the intense and positive environment created within the women's basketball program,” Saunders said.

The #11 player in her class in the state of Indiana according to Prep Girls Hoops Indiana, Saunders was named to the Underclass All-State Supreme 15 by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association following the 2020-21 season. She has been invited to numerous elite showcases and classics and was the MVP of the 2018 Battle of the Bridges Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star Game.

A two-time First Team All-Conference honoree, Saunders surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career late in her junior season and has tallied 335 assists over the last three years. A versatile athlete, she has made her mark on the North Harrison soccer program as well, earning All-Conference honors three times and helping her side to conference and sectional championships in 2019.