University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Inks Three On National Signing Day
November 9, 2016 | Women's Basketball
The three members of the class of 2021 are Janelle Bailey of Matthews, North Carolina, Leah Church of Purlear, North Carolina and Jaelynn Murray of Columbia, South Carolina.
“I am proud to say that we are bringing in three great young ladies who are well coached and will be great ambassadors for our great University and our program,” said Hatchell.
Five-star rated by ESPN • Ranked 4th best forward in 2017 class by ESPN • Selected to the USA FIBA U17 World Championship team • Averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, helping the team to a bronze medal finish • Three-time all-state selection • Led Providence Day School to its eighth straight N.C. Independent Schools championship as a junior, averaging 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds • Has career totals of 1,415 points and 711 rebounds at Providence Day School • Has also competed with Carolina Flames (2015) and Boo Williams (2016) • Daughter of Hessard Bailey and Kim Monroe-Bailey, and has an older sister, Gisele Bailey.
Bailey's Why Carolina Quote: “Carolina's atmosphere is great. It feels like home to me knowing that I have a great support system in place with coaches, teammates and others on campus. The unique mix of basketball and academics made this an easy decision to be a Tar Heel.”
Hatchell on Bailey: “Great ACC body with a strong physical presence that finishes well against contact. Even though she can face up, she is one of the best back to the basket players I have seen in a long time. Janelle plays in a system that fits our style of play and her knowledge of the game will help our team because she knows how to direct traffic on both ends of the court and knows what it takes to be a champion at multiple levels (High School and USA Basketball).”
Three-star rated by ESPN • Named one of the top-5 elite players in South Carolina • Led Dreher High School to a pair of state championships • Selected all-state and 4-AAA All-Region • Team captain for both basketball and volleyball teams • Has scored 1,118 career points • Averaged 18.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a junior • Competed for South Carolina Lady 76ers • Daughter of Michelle Murray, who played basketball at the University of South Carolina • Cousin, Seventh Woods is a freshman on the UNC men's basketball team.
Murray's Why Carolina Quote: “If God wasn't a Tar Heel, then why is the sky Carolina Blue?”
Hatchell on Murray: “Jaelynn has a great athletic build that fits well in our system. Her ability to rebound, block shots, defend and score speaks volumes. As she continues to get stronger, her game will go to another level. I have known her coach for years and I know we are bringing in an outstanding young lady that knows how to play on the national level.”
A record holder in both free throw and three-point shooting • Inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for winning the National Hoop Shoot free throw contest • Made 32 three-pointers in one minute to break the previous world record (27) • Also recognized by ESPN for making 120 three-pointers in five minutes • A home schooled student that plays basketball at Forest Trail Academy (Kernersville, N.C.) • Led club to the NISAA Championship runner-up finish in 2015-16 • Was named NISAA First Team All-Conference by averaging a team-high 13.0 points per game • Has made 337 three-pointers and is approaching 2,000 career points heading into senior season • Has also competed with Carolina Cougars, Winston-Salem Stealers and the Lady Phoenix Elite • Daughter of Craig and Kim Church.
Church's Why Carolina Quote: “My goal since I first picked up a basketball, at the age of four, was to play at Carolina. It was my motivation and what pushed me to become better everyday. North Carolina is a special place, with special tradition, and special people. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the Tar Heel family! Dreams do come true!”
Hatchell on Church: “PURE SHOOTER! Leah is an outstanding shooter, has a high basketball IQ and the heart of a lion. Wearing Carolina Blue has always been her dream since she was four years old and it means something very special to her. I can hear the passion in her voice every time I talk to her about our great University and program. She is a special young lady.“
