FORT MYERS, Fla., - Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Basketball Coach Karl Smesko has announced the signing of Patrice McKenzie and Diana Jacklin.

Patrice McKenzie, a native of Dunedin, New Zealand, will join the Eagles after playing two years at Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, Kansas.  This season, McKenzie, a 6-1 forward, averaged 14.8 ppg, while shooting 50% from the field and getting to the free throw line 132 times.  She also averaged 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.  McKenzie was named Honorable mention All-Conference in the Jayhawk league at the conclusion of her sophomore year.

“Patrice will make an immediate impact in our program,” stated Smesko.  “She is a post player who is very skilled and athletic.  She also brings a very aggressive mentality to our team.”

Diana Jacklin, also a 6-1 forward, hails from Berwyn, Illinois, played for Morton West High School and had an outstanding senior season for the Mustangs while leading them to a 16-11 overall record.  Jacklin averaged 22.2 points, while shooting 61% from the field and getting to the free throw line 210 times.  She also averaged 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 3 steals, and 3.2 blocked shots per game.  Jacklin received Chicago Sun Times All-Area Honorable Mention and West Suburban Gold Conference All-Conference.  

“Diana is a very fluid athlete,” commented Smesko.  “She has good size and runs the floor very well.  She is a player who I see being very effective inside and on the perimeter.”

The Eagles completed their final season as a NCAA Division II Independent with an appearance in the national championship game and finished with a 34-1 record.  The Eagles will move into Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference during the fall of 2007.  FGCU returns three starters and nine letterwinners from the 2006-07 team.