Pack adds two-time All-American post

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Apr. 26, 2011) - The CSU-Pueblo women's basketball team added a marquee player to its squad for 2011-12 as two-time junior college All-American, College of Southern Idaho's Laurel Kearsley signed with the team, head coach Kip Drown announced.

Kearsley, a 6-foot post who averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game this past season, was a two-time all-region selection in addition to her two-time honors as an honorable mention All-American.  The Victor, Idaho native was also second on her team in assists, and her versatility drew looks from Division I colleges as well as upper-tier D-II schools before she chose CSU-Pueblo over them all.

"She  is a very versatile player who can score on the block, step out and knock down the three and runs the floor very well," Drown said.  "She will give us a major upgrade to our rebounding, which we need badly."

Kearsley will likely see immediate playing time on a squad that didn't have a regular starter at the post during 2010-11.  CSU-Pueblo ranked in the bottom 50 nationally in rebounding last season.

"I love her passion for playing the game and we expect her to come in and be a major contributor to our program next season," Drown said.

Kearsley joins two others signed during the early signing period in November: Broomfield High School post Katie Nehf and Wilsonville, Ore. native Emily Dungey.