Nov. 13, 2008

Los Angeles, CA - LMU women's basketball targeted one player during its recruiting for next season and has received commitment from that player, signing Camille Buckley to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period, Head Coach Julie Wilhoit announced Thursday.

"Our fans are going to love watching Camille play at LMU," Wilhoit said. "She is a very aggressive and explosive rebounder and has a knack for making plays around the rim. With Camille's athleticism and quick first step, she will also be a big scoring threat both in the low and high post areas for us. Most of the boards she grabs, either on the offensive or defensive end, Camille finds a way to convert them into points."

Buckley, standing 6-1 from Colony High School in Ontario, CA, is currently the 42nd-ranked forward in the country according to Hoopgurlz.com. She averaged 12.4 points and 7.9 rebounds a game in her junior year, during which she led her team to the CIF Southern Section 3A Championship and was named Co-Player of the Year for the CIF 3A. Buckley was also named Second Team All-State by CalHi Sports and was a member of the All-Mt. Baldy League Team in each of the past two seasons.

As much as Wilhoit loves Buckley's game, she is just as excited by Buckley's attitude. "Her work ethic is untouchable both in the classroom and on the court. She expects great things from herself and will receive from and bring great things to LMU," Wilhoit said.

Buckley spent this past spring and summer playing with the highly regarded club team, West Coast Premier and she looks to improve her game even more during her senior year at Colony.

LMU opens the 2008-09 season in Hilo, HI this weekend at the Bank of Hawai'i Invitational. The Lions face Hawai'i on Friday before taking on Arizona Saturday and Toledo on Sunday.

- GO LIONS -