CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston women's basketball team announced the addition of Kasey Harper (G, 5-4, Mesa, Ariz./Desert Ridge H.S.) to their 2017-18 signing class. Harper is the third signee for the Golden Eagles joining Ashley Freund (F, 5-11, Jordan, Minn./Jordan H.S.) and Abby Guidinger (G, 5-10, Waukesha, Wis./Kettle Moraine H.S.).

"Kasey is a great addition to our program," said Head Coach Mike Roysland. "She will bring some tremendous speed that can be used both offensively and defensively. Kasey is a great communicator on the court. We are excited to have her as a Golden Eagle."

Minnesota Crookston is coming off their third-consecutive berth in the NSIC/Sanford Health quarterfinals during the 2016-17 season. The Golden Eagles will look to build off their third trip to the Sanford Pentagon as they return eight players off of last season's roster. Minnesota Crookston will look to seniors Micaela Noga (G, 5-7, Parkers Prairie, Minn.) and Emily Gruber (F, 5-11, Monticello, Minn.) along with redshirt junior Isieoma Odor (F/C, 6-0, Bloomington, Minn.). The trio has the experience of being part of all three NSIC/Sanford Health quarterfinal appearances along with two NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament home playoff games.

Harper is the first signee for the program from the state of Arizona. She joins two regional signees with Freund from Minnesota and Guidinger from Wisconsin. She will give the Golden Eagles help at the guard position, while also helping the team defensively.

Kasey Harper (G, 5-4, Mesa, Ariz./Desert Ridge H.S.)
Harper was a three-year contributor for the Jaguars. She averaged 6.0 points and 2.5 assists per game for Desert Ridge High School as a senior. She also averaged 2.8 steals and 3.0 rebounds per game. Harper was an All-District Honorable Mention pick on the court. As a junior, she averaged 8.3 points and 2.6 assists per game, along with 2.7 rebounds and 3.8 steals per contest. As a sophomore, Harper tallied 7.8 points and 2.8 assists per game, along with 2.6 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. She also is part of the track and field team at Desert Ridge High School.

She is the daughter of Christine and John Harper. Harper was born Oct. 9, 1998. She is a Jaguar Pride and Golden Scholar recipient. She plans to major in equine science with a pre-vet emphasis.

All signees are contingent upon admission to UMC and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Everyone released today has signed their National Letter of Intent prior to release of information.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

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The University of Minnesota Crookston is a NCAA Division II university located in the Red River Valley of Northwest Minnesota. UMC sponsors 11 intercollegiate athletic teams with membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate conference (NSIC) and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The NSIC is a 16-team conference with schools situated in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.