Surprise! A couple of revelation signings

  In the age of the Internet and everyone seemingly with a computer and hook-up, it can be challenging to keep college commitments secret. There are the constant phone calls, emails, texts, photographs and whatever else electronically there is in the search for the now coveted information. However, on Wednesday’s first signing day of the 2021-22 school year, Mullen seemed to have a couple of at least semi-surprises. Mustangs seniors [player_tooltip player_id="117681" first="Kilah" last="Freelon"] and [player_tooltip player_id="95170" first="Imani" last="Perez"] did their best to keep their choices quiet … and it worked. Freelon signed with Texas Tech and Perez with Hawaii. Neither were fanatical, obstinate or rude about it; they just wished it to be that way. Freelon, speaking about her choice, said “it really felt like family-oriented, and it felt very much like home for me. I fell in love with the school, the campus, the coaching staff, the team … I felt like it was the best decision for me.” A 6-foot-1 forward who has improved every season, Freelon battled some injuries a season ago, but was vital in the stretch run. She played in 12 of the 19 games during the coronavirus (COVOID-19) pandemic-shortened season and turned in a combined 39 points and 41 rebounds, For the season, she averaged 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. Modest numbers, yes, but her ability to fly across the lane with her huge strides and defend inside were convincing. The 6-2 Perez said she “loves the beach” and won’t mind the long trips. While she averaged just 5.0 points and 6.4 rebounds, her value also lies in defense. Her wingspan alone discouraged more shots than she actually blocked. Head coach Frank Cawley has openly admitted that Perez’s presence alone was the deciding factor in allowing the Mustangs to switch from zone defense to man-to-man before she played a game as a freshman. “And that’s what makes us go,” he said. Other Colorado signees of note who made it official on Wednesday: [player_tooltip player_id="95172" first="Gracie" last="Gallegos"], Mullen, UC-San Diego; [player_tooltip player_id="95167" first="Lauren" last="Betts"], Grandview, Stanford; [player_tooltip player_id="117679" first="Marya" last="Hudgins"], Grandview, Santa Clara; [player_tooltip player_id="117710" first="Grace" last="Moyers"], Erie, Wyoming; and [player_tooltip player_id="95179" first="Alex" last="Pirog"], Highlands Ranch, Montana.