Former Colorado standout Makenna Vonleh has announced her commitment to Baylor University, where she will continue her basketball career. Vonleh, a highly touted recruit, made the exciting announcement via social media on Wednesday afternoon.
During her tenure at West Linn High School, Vonleh garnered recognition as a four-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 9 post player in the nation by ESPN. Her exceptional performance during her junior season saw her average an impressive 17.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, Vonleh’s senior season was rescheduled to take place in the spring.
Initially committing to the University of Arizona, Vonleh’s collegiate journey took a different turn when she transferred to Colorado ahead of her sophomore season. At Colorado, she became an integral part of the team, starting in 33 of the Buffaloes’ 34 games. Her outstanding contributions earned her an All-Pac-12 honorable mention and a share of the 2023 co-Pac-12 Most Improved Player award.
In the recently concluded 2023-24 season, Vonleh continued to shine, averaging 14 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Her remarkable performance played a pivotal role in the Buffaloes’ upset victory over the reigning national champion LSU in November 2023. Vonleh’s impressive 24-point showing, converting 11 out of 15 shots from the field, showcased her exceptional talent.
The Buffaloes capped off a successful season with a 24-10 record, ultimately falling to Iowa in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament. Vonleh’s commitment to Baylor brings her to a program that also recently made it to the Sweet 16 in the 2023-24 season. Under the guidance of head coach Nicki Collen, the Bears finished the year with a commendable 26-8 record.
Vonleh’s basketball lineage includes her brother, Noah Vonleh, a former NBA player who played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2015 to 2018. With her exceptional talent and determination, Vonleh is poised to make significant contributions to the Baylor women’s basketball program in the years to come.
