Didn't take long for Beyer to commit to St. Thomas

APPLETON (WLUK) -- When Sammi Beyer made her visit to St. Thomas this spring the Appleton East point guard was still looking for a school that would open her eyes, thus making her college decision clear.

After her visit in late June she had an idea right away she wanted to be a Tommie, but slept on it before making any decision.

When she woke up, she basically knew -- St. Thomas was the place as June 28 she made her commitment to the Tommies official.

"I knew walking out of that place I said that's where I was going to be and that opportunity I was going to take," she said. "I was like, 'I'm going to give it tonight's rest,' I gave it a little thought and that was exactly where I want to be.

"I think when people say you know, you know. I didn't really believe them, but I've actually experienced that and I can say it's true. When you know, you know."

Beyer, who averaged 11.7 points per game last season, had Division I offers from St. Thomas, Eastern Illinois and Loyola Maryland, and a Division II offer from Maryville (Mo.). However, a Division I school is what she had her heart set on for years.

"Ever since fifth grade I always told my parents, 'Mom, dad I want to play Division I, I want to play division one basketball,'" Beyer said. "To actually have that opportunity to go and play, I'm really excited.

"I actually give a lot of credit to them, because of the amount of support they've given me, and them looking at me as a fifth-grader and be like, 'OK, we can do this.' Driving around AAU, it's been crazy, so I give a lot of recognition to them, and I love them for that."

Beyer will be the lone returning starter from last season's Appleton East team, which made the Division I state championship game. She said St. Thomas had no special instructions as to where she needs to improve during her senior season.

"Just be Sammi," she said with a smile. "I haven't really talked to them about what I can do differently or anything, Just keep playing controlled and do the things I need to do, and my responsibility and playing my role. I'll be just fine."

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay