Aug. 10, 2010
NORMAl, Ill. -
Jamie Russell, a guard from Wisconsin, has transferred to Illinois State to join the women's basketball team, head coach Stephanie Glance announced Tuesday. Russell will enroll in classes for the fall semester as a junior. She will be eligible to play for the Redbirds beginning with the 2011-12 season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
"We are excited about Jamie joining our Redbird program," Glance said. "She is a great player who brings Big Ten playing experience to the table. Jamie has a tremendous work ethic and outstanding character. She will be an asset to our program!"
Russell played in 48 games in her two years at Wisconsin, averaging 8.6 minutes per contest and collecting 76 points, 48 rebounds, 22 steals and 14 assists. As a freshman, Russell scored a career-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the third game of the season against Canisius.
Russell was a four-year letterwinner at Rock Falls High School in Rock Falls, Ill. A four-year all-conference pick and team MVP, Russell is the Rockets' all-time leader in points (1,870) and steals (515). She averaged 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 steals and 4.4 assists as a senior, garnering Illinois Class 3A All-State and McDonalds All-America nominee recognition. She was also a three-time Daily Gazette All-Area selection and two-time all-state honorable mention pick. Her prep coach was Craig Mammosser.
Russell played on the Full Package AAU basketball team for head coach Ralph Gesualdo. She was also an accomplished sprinter on the Rock Falls track team.
