Top-Ranked Point Guard Emilee Skinner Makes College Decision
In a highly anticipated announcement, Emilee Skinner, the seventh-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, revealed her commitment to attend Duke University on social media Thursday. The talented point guard chose the Blue Devils over fellow finalists Notre Dame, TCU, UCLA, and Iowa.
Skinner, a 6-foot senior at Ridgeline High School in Utah, was drawn to Duke’s culture and people, citing Coach Kara Lawson as a major influence in her decision. “I admire what Coach Kara is building at Duke, and I believe she can mentor me to achieve my goals,” Skinner explained. With her impressive skills on the court, Skinner is expected to thrive in Lawson’s system, utilizing her quickness and agility to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
This past summer, Skinner was a key contributor to the USA Basketball U17 World Cup team, which captured the gold medal in Mexico. Her experience playing on the adidas 3SSB Circuit with the Utah Lady Prospects has also prepared her for the next level.
Skinner’s recruitment process involved visits to various campuses, where she developed strong relationships with coaches and gained valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in college basketball. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from these coaches and appreciate the time they invested in me,” she said.
With Skinner’s commitment, Duke secures its first recruit in the 2025 class. Coach Lawson has established herself as a formidable recruiter, having signed top-ranked classes in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Blue Devils’ impressive run to the Sweet 16 in last season’s NCAA tournament demonstrates the program’s upward trajectory under Lawson’s leadership. Skinner’s arrival in Durham next year is expected to further bolster the team’s prospects.
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