Northwest University Signs Eight for Women's Basketball
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Ken Crawford, head women's basketball coach at Northwest University announced the signing of seven student athletes to join the 2018-19 season. Coach Crawford stated, “we are very excited about this class. It is one of the deepest and most talented groups that we have ever had become part of Northwest University Womens Basketball…”
Alyx Fast, of Chehalis, Wash. Alyx will be a sophomore transferring from Minot State. She graduated from Centralia High School. At Minot State, she shot .333 field goals, and .350 from the three-point line. Coach Crawford mentioned, “we are excited to welcome Alyx back to the State of Washington. We will look to take advantage of Alyx’s experience at the College level and her basketball skills will be an important factor in our success…she is not only a skilled shooter, but has that veteran experience that will make a difference for us.”
Ellesse FitzGerald, of Bellingham, Wash. FitzGerald will be a freshman coming from Meridian High School. She will add to the strength of Northwest University’s shooting game. FitzGerald was the leading 3-point shooter for all 4 years at Meridian High School. Ellesse was 1
st Team All Northwest Conference and twice All State Team, East vs. West. Coach Crawford said, “Ellesse fits the prototype of what we are looking for in a combo guard…she can shoot, play defense, is quick, sees the court well and has that confidence on the court that is important to have. We are excited to add FitzGerald’s skills to Northwest University.”
Livi Lindsey, of Redding Calif. Lindsey graduated from Redding Christian High School and will be a freshman at Northwest University. Livi averaged 19.7 points per game, 5.5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Not only did Livi score more than 1,000 points in her career, she also was a multi-sport athlete earning All-League awards in softball. Lindsey earned All-league in basketball from 2014-2018 and was just named to the Max-Preps California All State Team. Coach
Crawford commented, “Livi was an early signee for us and continued to impress us when she led her high school team to the CIF Sectional Final. Livi has the leadership abilities and basketball skills that we are looking for in our program. One doesn’t get named an all-state player without providing evidence of knowing what it takes to be successful.”
Kylie Olson, of Santa Rosa, Calif. Kylie will be a significant asset on and off the floor. She has earned several Academic Highest Honors as well as, being a team captain and leading her team to two Basketball Section Championships. Olson has a diverse experience earning All-League first team basketball and soccer. She also earned All-Empire Girls Track in 2016 and 2017. Coach Crawford said, “We are excited to add Kylie Olson as part of the Northwest University team. Kylie possesses the work ethic and the sense of determination that will be a benefit to our basketball team. She will provide a strong inside presence with her skill and toughness.”
Lexi Biggerstaff, of Ketchikan, Alk. will be transferring from Everett Community College. Biggerstaff was a two time 1
st team All-Conference at Ketchikan High School. She recently has earned 2
nd team All-Tournament for the NWAC her freshman year, and 1
st All Tournament her sophomore year. We are excited for the experience and skill set Lexi brings to Northwest University. Coach Crawford said, “Lexi adds a dimension to our team that will make us better. A guard/forward combination that has the ability to get to the basket off the drive, pull up and hit the mid-range jumper and play with her back to the basket…all of these things are part of Lexi’s game. Another player with previous college experience, she will add veteran leadership to the team.
Grace Meza- of Grandview, Wash. a 5’6’’ guard has signed with Northwest University. Meza earned 2
nd team All-Conference and was a 4 year Varsity player. She scored 1,000 points during her high school career. Grace Meza was also an American Legion Scholar award winner, as well as participating in the running start program at Yakima Valley College. Coach Crawford described Grace as, “Grace is another guard that fits our profile of a combo guard. An excellent shooter and defender, Grace will add depth and scoring ability along with her quickness. We have been impressed with her ability to make plays and get others involved. We are excited about the elements that Grace adds to our program.
Shelaine Lorenz- of Seattle, Wash. a 5’10’’ freshman majoring in Elementary Education. Lorenz earned the Scholar Athlete Award all 4 years of high school. She was voted 2
nd team All-League for two years, and was voted 1
st team All-League her senior year. Shelaine also brought home the MVP Award for three years. We are excited to have Shelaine as a part of Northwest University. Coach Crawford commented, “Shelaine is a great fit for NU. Her family has been part of Northwest University for a number of years. As a basketball player, Shelaine gives us another player who is tough, works hard and has a great touch on the inside. Her ability to pass to the open shooter is a skill that we will take advantage of…”
Sam VanLoo is a 6’1 post player from Lynden Christian High School. This year she helped her team win the Washington State 1A Tournament for the second time in the past three years. She has earned first team All-Northwest Conference honors and has been selected to the All-State team in Class 1A.
Coach Crawford’s comments about Sam: “We could not be more excited about having Sam join our program here at Northwest University. “She goes to a great high school, comes from an outstanding basketball program and will be a great fit here at Northwest University. She is a versatile player, with strong skills who has had experience playing at a very high level. We are excited about the possibilities for her both now and in the future.