TERRASSA, Spain – A pair of former Illinois State women's basketball players signed professional contracts last week to play basketball for Club Natació Terrassa in Spain. Two of the three graduating seniors from the Class of 2016, Octavia Crump and Colleene Smith, both landed deals with the professional club north of Barcelona.
"I want to start off by saying I am very blessed and grateful for this opportunity," Crump said. "I still cannot believe that I am out of the country doing something I love - playing professional basketball. This moment is still surreal for me. I'm glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and left the United States. It was extremely hard for me to make this decision, but I just followed my heart. I'm glad that I can be motivation and an example for young girls and kids in my community. The sky is truly the limit. Thanks to all those who helped me get here."
Crump graduated with exactly 1,000 career points to become the 28th student-athlete in program history to reach the prestigious club. She played in 108 games in her four-year career and made 66 starts. Crump averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for her career and ranks in a tie for 18th place on the program's all-time rebounding list with 572, and 10th on the offensive rebound list with 200. She also tallied 38 career blocks, which ranks 19th all-time.
Smith played two seasons for ISU, after transferring from Asa College. She played in 58 career games, including 30 starts, with 22 coming her senior year. In 2015-16, Smith averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while recording 42 steals. She finished with 75 career thefts in her two seasons.
"First, I want to thank the Man above for the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player," Smith said. "My parents and my family have supported me through all my decisions and choices to help me make this dream a reality. My experience in Barcelona, Spain, playing for Club Terrassa so far has been everything I have ever dreamed of doing. I still can't believe that this is real. I am very thankful for this opportunity to be here. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me make my dreams become true. Words can never describe how thankful, happy and blessed I am. My motive has always been to inspire and help young children and kids to fight for what they believe in and never give because anything is possible."
"I am so happy for and proud of Sue and Colleene," head coach Barb Smith said. "Whenever we can help young players gain an opportunity to play overseas, it is always a remarkable experience. I know they will represent their families, communities, Illinois State University and the women's basketball program with the same class they graduated with. We wish them both much success and happiness as they continue to play the game they love."
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