SILOAM SPRINGS -- John Brown University head women's basketball coach Jeff Soderquist announced on Friday (July 28) morning the signing of four newcomers - three freshman and a transfer - to complete the 2023-24 Golden Eagle squad.
The signees include freshman Clare Barger (Harrison, Ark. / Harrison HS), freshman Briley Burns (Ozark, Ark. / Ozark HS), transfer Ashley Phelan (Tulsa, Okla. / Bob Jones University) and freshman Abbey Sanders (Bentonville, Ark. / Bentonville HS). The quartet join the 10 returners the led the Golden Eagles to its sixth NAIA National Championships appearance last season.
"We are very excited about this incoming class," noted Soderquist. "So much talent, but more importantly, each fit our culture that has been so important to the program over the years."
Last season, the Golden Eagles raced out to a 5-0 start in non-conference action and finished the Sooner Athletic season at 14-8 and in fifth place. After an exit from the SAC tournament in the quarterfinals, John Brown landed an at-large berth into the NAIA National Champsionships and promptly dispatched the New Orleans, La. Opening Round top seed and host, nationally-ranked No. 9 Loyola (La.). John Brown's win over the Wolf Pack was the tournament's largest upset in Opening Round action before the Golden Eagle season came to a close versus Cumberlands (Ky.) in the next round, one step away from the national quarterfinals in Sioux City, Iowa.
| Player |
Ht. |
Pos. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Clare Barger |
5-8 |
Guard |
Harrison, Ark. |
Harrison |
| Briley Burns |
5-11 |
Forward |
Ozark, Ark. |
Ozark |
| Ashley Phelan |
5-8 |
Guard |
Tulsa, Okla. |
Epic Charter Schools |
| Abbey Sanders |
5-8 |
Guard |
Bentonville, Ark. |
Bentonville |
Barger, a standout three-sport athlete, will join the Golden Eagles after an incredible senior season at Harrison High School by landing All-State honors. Earning an impressive nine letters over three seasons in basketball, soccer and track and field, the 5-foot-8 guard improved to averaging 17 points and five boards a game in her final season after notching averages of 15 and 4.6 the previous season. The Harrison native passed the 1,000 career points mark for the Goblins this past February. Barger claimed the state long jump title as a junior with a 5.7 meter leap, and even scored the game-winning goal in the 5A girl's soccer state championship game, leading Harrison to a 21-4-1 overall record, and a game MVP selection. While playing for a trio of seasons under head girl's basketball coach Stacie Klott, the three-time All-Conference pick led the Goblins to consecutive conference titles and a 2021 5A state title.
Why John Brown: "I picked JBU because I really liked the campus and the sense of community that everyone here encourages. I also loved the idea that not only could I continue my basketball career with great coaches and teammates, but I could further my relationship with Christ because of the values this university embraces." — Clare Barger
Burns makes her way to Siloam Springs after a four-year career under head coach Bret Nagel at Ozark High School. During her time as a Hillbilly, the 5-foot-11 forward rewrote the OHS record book and finished as the program's all-time leading scorer. The Ozark, Ark. native was a two-time 4A All-State selection in her sophomore and senior seasons. Burns, a four-time All-Conference basketball pick also competed for a pair of seasons in track and field and volleyball.
Why John Brown: "I love the atmosphere and location here. I wanted the best education to go along with my athletic career and this is the place to do it." — Briley Burns
The group's lone transfer, Phelan returns "home" after one season at Bob Jones (S.C.) under head coach Mike LeViere. With the Bruins, the 5-foot-8 guard averaged 4.4 points over 25 games played. The native of Tulsa, Okla. scraped together 22 rebounds, 15 assists and nine steals while averaging 11 minutes a night in Greenville. In high school, Phelan led Epic Charter Schools to an East Coast National Championship while playing four seasons under head coaches Melody Stewart, Chris Linder and Curtis Branch.
Why John Brown: "John Brown University offered me the opportunity to study history and learn more about archeology while playing basketball." — Ashley Phelan
Sanders joins her older sister, Emily, for the 2023-24 season at JBU. During her two-year career at Bentonville High School under head coach Tom Halbmaier, the 5-foot-8 guard helped the Tigers to a pair of 6A West Conference titles and a regional championship in 2020.As a senior, Sanders averaged 19 points per game, shooting 86 percent from the free-throw line. While landing 6A West All-Conference, 6A All-State and KURM Dream Team honors in her final season, she dished out 143 assists and averaged nearly 31 minutes a night.
Why John Brown: "I chose to attend JBU because of the excellent academics and amazing community. JBU is a perfect fit for me academically, athletically, and spiritually!" — Abbey Sanders
What Coach Soderquist Says »
On Barger: "Clare might be one of the most athletic players I have coached. As a guard, she has the ability to drive and finish around the basket, and will be able to put ball pressure on the ball handler to cause disruption on the defensive end of the floor."
On Burns: "Briley is a very talented and smart player, and she can play many different positions for us. With her height, she could play a forward, or with her skill set, she could be a guard. She will have an impact right away on our team."
On Phelan: "Ashley is a very talented guard that is an exceptional three-point shooter."
On Sanders: "Abbey is a very smart basketball player. She is an extremely good three-point shooter, which will fit right in to our style of play."
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