By ROCKY STANLEY — The Independent
Ashland — The Ashland Kittens’ trip to Coastal Carolina University two years ago for a summer basketball camp opened the door.
Katelyn Connor did the rest with her steady improvement on the court.
On Thursday, the 6-foot-3 Ashland senior couldn’t stop smiling during a signing ceremony in the school cafeteria.
Connor wore a Coastal Carolina T-shirt for the occasion. She will receive a full ride to the Division I school in Conway, S.C.
“I’m thrilled,’’ Connor said after posing for photos with teammates and family. “My freshman year, I did not think there was any way I could go to college to play basketball. It all came together.’’
In time, Connor’s dedication in practice and individual workout sessions allowed her skills to catch up with her size.
Connor is Ashland’s first player to sign with a Division I program in Bill Bradley’s nine years as head coach.
“I’m so happy for Katelyn, knowing how much she has matured as a player,’’ Bradley said. “Definitely she has some natural skills, but this is the result of the work she put in.’’
Connor came into her own last season, averaging 14 points and eight rebounds as the Kittens advanced to the 16th Region semifinals. The focal point of Ashland’s offense for the first time, Connor shot 54 percent from the field and rejected 77 shots.
She attracted interest from several college programs, but remained stuck on Coastal Carolina.
Connor, who carries a 3.2 grade point average, recalled Ashland’s summer camp at Coastal Carolina after her sophomore season.
“Their coaches saw me,’’ she said. “He (head coach Alan LeForce) told me he thought I was a pretty good player. They stayed in contact.’’
Last month, Connor made her official visit to the Big South Conference school and came away impressed.
“The campus was great,’’ she said. “I liked the coaches and players. They are great people. And I love the beach.’’
Conway is located on the Waccamaw River, a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and Myrtle Beach.
“Katelyn is going to be very happy there,’’ Bradley said. “It’s a nice school with a good sports reputation. It has a lot of things she likes.’’
Connor is glad to have her college decision out of the way leading into her senior season.
“It’s a big relief,’’ she said. “That part is set. Now I can concentrate on this year. Our goal is to get to state.’’
ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.
