A native of Lithuania, Savickaite is finishing out her prep career at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn.
"Ruta will add a lot to our program with her size," said Lady Topper head coach Michelle Clark-Heard. "She's an incredible young lady who is very smart and skilled. She is not your typical international player that prefers to play on the perimeter. She can face up and shoot the ball, but likes to mix it up down in the post. This was a huge get for us, and we couldn't be more excited about it."
Savickaite came to Hamilton Heights in January, and averaged 5.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in 17 games during her junior season. After adjusting to the style of play, she was able to average 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.1 steals in her final nine games, with three double-digit scoring games.
Those efforts helped lead Hamilton Heights to its fifth straight national Association of Christian Athletics national championship. Savickaite has also represented Lithuania in the 2001 U16 and 2012 U18 European Championships.
Savickaite becomes the fourth member of the 2013 Lady Topper signing class, joining Bria Gaines, Aleeya Harris and Kierra Muhammad.
2013 Lady Topper Signing Class -
Name - Ht. - Class-Exp. - Pos. - Hometown (Previous School)
Bria Gaines - 6-2 - Fr.-HS - C - Glenwood, Ill. (Bloom Township HS)
Aleeya Harris - 6-1 - Fr.-HS - F - San Antonio, Texas (John Jay HS)
Kierra Muhammad - 5-4 - Fr.-HS - G - Lexington, Ky. (Paul Laurence Dunbar HS)
Ruta Savickaite - 6-4 - Fr.-HS - C - Vilnius, Lithuania (Hamilton Heights [Tenn.] Christian Academy)
- WKU -
