Danae Ruiz, with parents Gabe and Anna, signs a letter of intent for ERAU's first women's basketball team.

Danae Ruiz has signed up to be on the first women’s basketball team at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus.

The senior guard for Maricopa High School declared a month ago her intent to attend the college that emphasizes aviation and the sciences. Thursday, she signed the Letter of Intent.

“It was my No. 1 school,” Ruiz said. “It’s a great program to be part of the first team for.”

She intends to major in forensic psychology.

ERAU head coach Becky Burke saw Ruiz playing in a club basketball tournament in Southern California in July, and her interest was quickly piqued. Burke approached Ruiz’s Copa Crew coaches, Dee and Jesse Estrada, and talked to others about Ruiz’s scholarly aptitude before she talked to Danae herself.

“She has a fierce ability,” Burke said. “She’s very athletic. She has a high basketball IQ.”

Ruiz was a key player in the MHS Rams’ run to an AIA Division II state title last season and was named to the All State Second Team.

Of primary importance at ERAU is the ability in the classroom. Burke has looked at a lot of players as she creates the program for the university and said she won’t even talk to a player if her coaches don’t think she can handle the challenging coursework.

Ruiz is one of eight players Burke has signed to the 2016-17 team. The coach expects to sign nine more and take a walk-on or two.

“We need our guards to play fast. We need our guards to be able to press. We need our guards to be in shape,” Burke said. “That’s what I saw in her.”

Ruiz said she has already practiced with other members of the forming Eagles team.

Thursday, her parents Gabe and Anna Ruiz, family, Rams teammates, Copa Crew teammates and coaches were part of the signing ceremony in the high school gym.

“It’s surreal for us,” Gabe Ruiz said. “But she’s earned it. She’s put in the work since sixth grade. We’re glad she’ll be close to home.”