University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Women's Hoops Adds Juco All-American
7/1/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
July 1, 2010
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss head women's basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis has announced that Rachel Vigers is enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi and will be a member of the women's basketball team for 2010-11 academic year.
"I am excited to add another fine player to this year's recruiting class," McNelis said. "Rachel brings national experience to our program."
Vigers, a 5-9 forward, was named a First Team All-American last year while helping Copiah-Lincoln CC to a 31-2 record and a seventh-place finish in the national tournament. She averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 54% from the floor and 85% from the free throw line. Her performance earned her First Team All-Region and All-State, as well as being named to the Mississippi All-Star Team.
McNelis added, "Rachel is someone who I consider a true competitor. We have watched her give it her all in several clutch situations. Her mental toughness was displayed during the National Tournament as we watched her play through sickness; leaving the court to go throw-up during play and returning to help lead her team to victory. This is just one example of the toughness she possesses and that we believe will attribute to our future success."
A native of Baton Rouge, La., Vigers was named a Street & Smith All-American out of North Iberville High School. She was named All-State, as well as All-Region and All-District. In her senior year, she was named the Most Valuable Player in the Louisiana State Tournament.
"After deep consideration, I chose the University of Southern Mississippi for several reasons," said Vigers. "They have a great athletic program. They will meet my academic needs and the coaching staff made me feel a part of their family. It is truly a great fit for me and I expect to help the Lady Eagles get back on the winning track."
Vigers is the ninth newcomer and joins six early signees during the early signing period which includes Janairrika Bland (6-3, C, Edwards, Miss.), Jamierra Faulkner (5-6, PG, West Palm Beach, Fla.), Tiara George (6-1, F, Baton Rouge, La.), Niesha Pierce (5-10, G, Gulfport, Miss.), Nitesha Pierce (5-10, F, Gulfport, Miss.) and Ewa Urbanowska (6-2, F, Warsaw, Poland), along with Tandrea High (5-6, G, Jonesboro, Ga.) and Brittany Weathers (6-0, F, Hattiesburg, Miss.) who signed during the late signing period .
