FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2008

Women's Basketball Adds Two More

Guard, Post

    Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head women's basketball coach Carol Russell announced today the names of two players who will join the Lopers next season.

      They are guard Tessa Kreutzer (Holdrege) and forward Kim Thissen (Davenport, Ia./Des Moines Area C.C.). In the early signing period, UNK added guard Debra Johnson (Grant) and wing Vanessa Leeper (Colo. Springs, Colo.) to the roster.

      A star in basketball, volleyball and track for the Holdrege Dusters the past four years, Kreutzer (5-8) earned honorable mention Class B all-state honors from several media outlets this winter.

      She averaged around 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.5 assists per game this season for a Duster team that made the state tournament for the fourth straight time.

      "Tessa brings a winning attitude to our Loper family. With her work ethic, she will fit right in with our program," said Russell. "Tessa has unlimited potential to improve at this level and I look forward to coaching such a competitive player."

      Tessa's sister, Tabitha, will also be at UNK next year, competing on the track & field team.

      Thissen, standing 6-0, will help replace posts Amy Mathis and Melissa Hinkley. Earning second-team all-conference honors this past season, Thissen helped the DMACC Bears win 49 games the past two years.

      She averaged around seven points and five rebounds per game in her DMACC career and led the team in steals as a freshman. Thissen also shot 51 percent from the field in 2008.

      "I'm excited to have Kim join our Loper family. She will help fill the void at the post position," said Russell. "Kim brings a high level of energy to the game and it will be fun to coach a player with so much enthusiasm."

      Thissen prepped at Davenport Assumption High School, one of Iowa's top programs. For the Lady Knights, she earned all-state honors and was a McDonald's All-American nominee.  

      UNK has made two straight NCAA Tournament appearances and averaged 22 wins per season since 2002.