“She had a burning desire to get better and worked on it hard,” commented Lady Pirate head coach Leta Andrews.

VanderZee’s leadership on the GHS team helped the squad make its first appearance at the regional tournament since 2003.

The honor mirrors similar recognition received by VanderZee’s older sister, Lacey Neu, who was named all-state by TABC during her senior year in 2009.  Neu later played for the women’s basketball team at Rice University.

Earlier this month, VanderZee was named to the Star-Telegram girls basketball Super Team.   Calling the 6’3” post “arguably the area's best interior scorer, rebounder, and defender,” the newspaper noted her average per-game statistics – 20.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.