NORMAL, Ill. – After a remarkable two-year career at Illinois State under the direction of Kristen Gillespie, Simone Goods has signed a professional contract to further pursue her basketball career overseas.
"It still hasn't hit me yet that this is my next move, but I know that I deserve it," Goods said. I have never left the country before, but I can't think of a better reason to do so."
Goods joined the Redbirds in the 2017-18 season for her junior campaign and quickly made an impact on the program, leading the squad in scoring and rebounding with 13.5 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game. The Omaha, Neb. native, was tabbed as the MVC Newcomer of the Year, MVC All-Conference Honorable Mention, MVC Player of the Week (1), MVC Newcomer of the Week (3) and Long Beach Tournament MVP.
Goods continued to dominate through her senior season, leading the team again in points and rebounds averaging 16.8 and 7.4, respectively. She garnered a MVC First Team All-Conference selection and was named MVC Player of the Week twice. Goods will enter ISU's record books as one of the best post players, finishing her career in the top 25 for field goals made (190), rebounds in a season (238), career free-throws (227), career blocks (51) and blocks in a season (33). Additionally, Goods is in the top 10 at Illinois State for career rebounds per game (6.9), career blocks per game (0.9) and career double-doubles (12).
Goods was Gillespie's first recruit after accepting the Head Coach position at Illinois State, and will become the fourth player to sign a professional contract, while Gillespie has been at the helm of a program.
"I am extremely proud of Simone," Coach Gillespie said. "Her commitment improving all areas of her game this past year is what led to her to achieve this lifelong goal. Simone has the ability and potential to have a very successful professional career. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her!"
Goods will be a member of the SPAR Gran Canaria team in Las Palmas, Spain.
"Trusting Two Points Agency to promote me and get me somewhere like Spain is unbelievable," said Goods. "The whole process has been smooth and there was no pressure, which let me know that this is all God's doing. I am very excited to get started and experience this new journey."
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