Aug. 8, 2007

FAIRBANKS, AK - Alaska women's basketball head coach Lynne Andrew announced the signing of Caitlin Hamsley of North Pole, Alaska on Wednesday. She will enroll at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a freshman this fall and have four years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

"Caitlin is a local player that I've watched play at North Pole, so I have been able to see her grow and her skills progress," said Andrew. "She has good fundamentals, a good three-point shot, and works hard on defense. She has a great work ethic: any chance she gets, she is in the gym or in a basketball game. She has the attitude and the characteristics I am looking for in my program. We look forward to seeing her grow in the next four years and achieving all the goals that she sets for herself."

Hamsley, a 5'3" point guard, was a standout performer for North Pole High School for four seasons (2003-2007). In her senior season, Hamsley averaged 11.4 points and 7 assists per game, including a career-best 23-point effort against Delta High School. In both her junior and senior seasons, Hamsley was selected to the Mid-Alaska Conference All-Tournament Team, and was named the Team MVP for the 2006-2007 season.

"On the court, she is the complete package: great handles, great shooter, good vision of the court. She's a leader," said North Pole basketball coach Rob McIntosh. "She is like a second daughter to me, and I am looking forward to watching her play [at UAF]."

When not leading the Patriots' frontcourt, Hamsley also played four seasons as a setter for the school volleyball team. For her achievements, Hamsley was named the North Pole High School's Student-Athlete of the Year for 2007.

A lifelong native of Alaska, Hamsley hopes to pursue a degree in business or psychology, with an eye towards owning her own business one day.

"[Joining the Nanooks] is pretty exciting: I am nervous but excited," said Hamsley. "I have been dreaming of playing college basketball and it's great to be able to play in my hometown, where my family will get to see me play. I am looking forward to the whole experience. I love basketball, and I am excited to get to know another team: meshing with the team, traveling, playing, and building chemistry."

Hamsley becomes the fifth signing for the Nanooks for the 2007-2008 season, joining fellow guards Anna Simmons (Simi Valley, CA) and Nicole DeRosier (Puyallup, WA) as well as center Nicole Bozek (Mukilteo, WA) and forward Amonda Francis (Coquitlam, British Columbia).