Basketball standout Mandy Wald of Homestead High School will not have that type of stress this winter. In November, before the Mustangs' 2003­04 season ever began, Wald signed a National Letter of Intent with New Mexico State University at Las Cruces.

"It's a great area and a great opportunity," Wald said about her college selection over interest from Boise State, Idaho, UC Davis and USF. "New Mexico State has a new start with a new coach."

Darin Spence, in his first year as the coach of the Aggies, is impressed with Wald's competitive nature and versatility.

"Mandy is one of those kids that is tough and always competes," Spence said. "Every time she steps out on the court, she is looking to get better. She can play strong forward, wing and even at the post."

Wald, who at 6-foot will be the tallest member among the Aggies' freshman class in 2004­05, caught the eyes of Spence and other college coaches while playing for the West Valley Basketball Club the past two summers. Playing with the local traveling team, coached by former San José State player and current Mission College coach Tito Addison, "has really helped me become a better player," Wald said. "It's like a family atmosphere."

Teammates on the summer team were standouts from other area schools, including Aly Mollett (Del Mar), Ashley Dunn (Soquel) and Andrea Woliczko (Santa Cruz).

Wald, who averaged 17 points and eight rebounds a game and earned first team all-league honors as a junior, is in her fourth season as a starter for the Homestead varsity. She says she is working on her all-around play, especially ball-handling and outside shooting.

Wald's main concern, however, is for her team. A year ago the Mustangs shared the Santa Clara Valley League's El Camino Division Championship with Lynbrook en route to a 19-7 record and a berth in the Central Coast Section playoffs.

"I want our team to do well," she says, "but, mainly, I want my teammates to just have fun."