Ankeny girls’ basketball standout Savannah Gage has had more time to consider her college options while she recovers from an ACL Injury.
On Saturday, the junior-to-be announced her verbal commitment to the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities.
“I had several different opportunities to play at the Division I level, and I am grateful for each and every one of them,” said Gage. “I have taken a lot of time over the past couple of years to go on visits and build relationships with different programs to find the right fit for me. It became really clear to me these past several months that St. Thomas was where I wanted to be. The coaching staff has always made me feel like a priority, and I have felt so much support from them not just for my value as a basketball player but as a student and as a person as well.”
Gage, a shooting guard, was a first-team all-state pick as a sophomore. She led the Hawkettes to a 12-11 record.
Gage averaged 16.6 points per game and made 33 3-point goals. She shot 88.8 percent at the free-throw line, where she connected on 36 consecutive attempts during one 14-game stretch.
Gage will be joining a St. Thomas squad that is making steady progress as it looks to build a competitive program in the Summit League. The Tommies made the transition to Division I in 2021 and improved from eight wins in season one to 13 victories in the 2022-23 campaign.
“The school is amazing, and they have such a strong culture that I want to be a part of!” Gage said. “Every time I have been on campus, I feel so at home and so excited to be a part of what they are building there! Now that I am committed, I am really excited to just focus on becoming the best player and teammate that I can be.”
Gage tore the ACL in her left knee on April 1 while playing in an AAU game. She underwent surgery on April 10, and is hoping to be fully healthy for her junior season.
“I am so grateful and excited to be a Tommie, but I also know that I have two more years to accomplish the goals my teammates and I have for AHS, and that is extremely important to me as well,” she said.