TYLER, Texas -- UT Tyler track & field head coach David Kaiser announced four signings to the Patriots' track & field program, adding three Texas natives for the 2021-22 season along with an international signing who will join the program this spring.
 
ABOUT THE NEW PATRIOTS
  Marissa Agee (Howe High School; Gunter, Texas)
 
Personal Bests:
400m: 59.02  |  800m: 2:15.3  |  1600m: 5:35.58
 
In Her Words: "I chose the University of Texas at Tyler track program because it gives me the opportunity to succeed as an athlete and contribute to a team undeniably focused on future success. Coach Kaiser's and Coach Rathke's individualized approach to training gives all of their athletes the necessary tools to build on their strengths while trying to eliminate their weaknesses. UT Tyler is a burgeoning Division II track program and I want to be a part of the foundation that helps build that success. Academically, UT Tyler is a perfect fit for my career goals in the medical field. UT Tyler presents the opportunity to gain a valuable education while networking with educators, alumni, and medical institutions. With consideration to the benefits of athletics, academics, and the location in relation to home, UT Tyler was an easy decision for me."
 
Head Coach David Kaiser: "I am so excited and pleased to add someone like Marissa to the roster. She is super committed to being the best student and best athlete she can be.  She is ranked 2nd in her class while being very involved her school. She is super driven with a competitive fire that I believe will push everyone to be their best. I believe that Marissa has just begun to shine in the world of track and field."
 
Assistant Coach Chase Rathke: "I think signing someone of Marissa's caliber is a big step for our program. She is not just an excellent student on the track but also in the classroom. It shows that she has a great head on her shoulders and ready to take on any challenge put in front of her. I expect big things from Marissa immediately, and I think she has the potential to be a program changer."
 
 

Ashlyn Zander (Bosqueville High School; Hewitt, Texas)
 
Personal Bests:
Shot Put:  43'-4"  |  Discus:  116'-1"
 
In Her Words: "I chose UT Tyler because of the family feeling I got as soon as I stepped on campus and met Coach Kaiser. Tyler is a great town, and the track team and academic environment are places I personally feel like I will thrive in. My family and I were thrilled to make the decision to continue my career at Tyler. I am excited for the possibilities ahead of me and everything I plan on accomplishing with Coach Kaiser!"
 
Head Coach David Kaiser: "Besides Ashlyn's infectious personality, she is an amazingly committed and hardworking student-athlete. Among the top students in her class, Ashlyn also made the commitment to drive upwards of seven hours one way to get help learning the rotational shot put technique. I think Ashlyn has a tremendous amount of potential as a shot putter, and I have no doubt that she will work hard to be among the best in our conference and NCAA. I am very excited to have her as a Patriot."
 


Mthabisi Mpofu (Prince Edward School; Ruwa Harare, Zimbabwe)
 
Personal Bests:
60m: 6.80  |  100m: 10.45  |  200m: 21.80  |  Long Jump: 7.45m
 
In His Words: "There are no words to describe the opportunities that lay before me. I was lucky to come across the University of Texas at Tyler as I was searching through USA Division 1 or 2 universities online. First of all, I loved the kindness, patience and love I was given by the admissions office members and the track and field head coach David Kaiser; the school colors are the best and good looking, the location (Tyler, Texas), the good pass rate that the school has been producing for the past and current years were also factors, but mostly, the bond between I and Coach Kaiser online has made me see how I fit in at the University of Texas at Tyler. I feel welcomed and happy to begin my life as a Patriot."
 
Head Coach David Kaiser: "From our very first conversation, I knew that Mthabisi was going to be a student I really wanted in the program because of his excitement of continuing his education in the United States, as well as his hope and promise of building a strong academic foundation for whatever life's plan is going forward. The fact that he can run and jump just made him more appealing.  I am excited to watch Mthabisi grow as a person and to develop his athletic talents in the years to come."
 


Ashton Turner (Crowley High School; Fort Worth, Texas)
 
Personal Bests:
60HH: 8.15  |  110HH: 14.67  |  300IM: 39.22  |  400m: 49.67  |  400IM: 55.94
 
In His Words:  "The reason why I chose UT Tyler was because of the campus culture. Getting to meet some of the students, staff, and the university president really influenced me in choosing UT Tyler because of their awesome hospitality. It instantly felt like a home away from home, as well as a place where I could grow as a person, a student, and a collegiate athlete."
 
Head Coach David Kaiser: "Ashton is what we want UT Tyler to represent, and that is a strong commitment to academic and athletic excellence. Ashton will be a strong cornerstone in which our program will be built moving deeper into the NCAA Division II ranks, while also representing our program in the classroom."
 
Assistant Coach Nick Anthony: "Ashton is the model student-athlete. He excels both on and off the track while being involved within his community as ASB class president and numerous other clubs. We look for him to be a foundational piece in our program during his time at UT Tyler. We are extremely excited he has decided to become a Patriot."