April 16, 2009

Curtis signs with Northwest Missouri State University

Having recently finished a stellar two-year career playing basketball at Cowley College, Lady Tiger point guard Gabbie Curtis signed a letter of intent to play basketball at NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State University on Wednesday.

After being named an Honorable Mention all-conference selection as a freshman, Curtis was named a second-team all-Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division performer as a sophomore as she helped Cowley win 12 of its final 13 games and finish with a record of 24-8.

Curtis averaged 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds as a freshman, and 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists as a sophomore. She finishes her Cowley career as the school’s 10th all-time leading scorer with 787 points.

During her two years at Cowley, she helped the Lady Tigers win 45 games and go 28-8 in the Jayhawk East.

“It has been invaluable the things she has done for us,” Cowley head coach Todd Clark said. “I thought we had two great years with her.”

Curtis, a physical education major, is looking forward to playing for the Lady Bearcats.

“I plan on being a big part of the program and the team,” Curtis said.

Curtis played the off guard position in high school but had to learn to run the point guard position once she came to Cowley. The move to point guard was a successful one as she will continue running the point at the next level.

“We are excited for Gabbie and think it is a great opportunity for her,” Clark said. “It is a great league for her to do well in. I think it’s a good fit for her and the coaching staff.”

Northwest Missouri State is located in Maryville, Mo. The Lady Bearcats are part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Conference.

Despite looking forward to playing for her new school, Curtis will be sad to leave Cowley.

“I made a lot of friends here, especially my teammates, it will be hard to leave them,” Curtis said. “I also learned a lot from the coaches and give them a lot of credit. I want to thank the community, the fans, my coaches and teammates, and my family for supporting me.”

Curtis would like to continue playing basketball after college. However, if her playing days are done following her time at NMSU, she hopes to become a basketball coach and help teach young kids the fundamentals of the game.