SEATTLE – Seattle University women's basketball graduate Joana Alves ('20) has signed a professional contract with Ibaizabal in La Liga 2 of Spain.
"I'm very excited for this chapter in my basketball career because I've always envisioned it," said Alves. "These past few months have been excruciating due to COVID and not being able to actively play or practice with other people. Excited doesn't begin to explain what I feel-hungry is a better word for it. I'm very hungry to be back on the court and playing the game I love. I'm ready to take on this challenge and crush it."
Alves, a Lisbon, Portugal, native, graduated following a strong career at Seattle U. She averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior. Alves also set the school's single-game scoring record, pouring in 34 points against California Baptist on Feb. 29 at the Redhawk Center.
"We are absolutely thrilled for Joana," said Seattle U Head Coach Suzy Barcomb. "Her growth and development over her career here was tremendous. Now she has the opportunity to explore another part of the world through the game of basketball."
Alves has previously played for the Portuguese National Team for the 2019 Napoli Summer World University Games, helping her squad claim a bronze medal at the event. As a Redhawk, Alves was a 2018 All-WAC Second Team selection.
Ibaizabal's season begins on October 3. It finished second in the 'A' group of La Liga 2 last season.
Alves joins 2018 graduates Alexis Montgomery and Jacinta Beckley as Redhawks to have signed pro contracts since Barcomb's arrival in 2016.
"I'm very excited for this chapter in my basketball career because I've always envisioned it," said Alves. "These past few months have been excruciating due to COVID and not being able to actively play or practice with other people. Excited doesn't begin to explain what I feel-hungry is a better word for it. I'm very hungry to be back on the court and playing the game I love. I'm ready to take on this challenge and crush it."
Alves, a Lisbon, Portugal, native, graduated following a strong career at Seattle U. She averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior. Alves also set the school's single-game scoring record, pouring in 34 points against California Baptist on Feb. 29 at the Redhawk Center.
"We are absolutely thrilled for Joana," said Seattle U Head Coach Suzy Barcomb. "Her growth and development over her career here was tremendous. Now she has the opportunity to explore another part of the world through the game of basketball."
Alves has previously played for the Portuguese National Team for the 2019 Napoli Summer World University Games, helping her squad claim a bronze medal at the event. As a Redhawk, Alves was a 2018 All-WAC Second Team selection.
Ibaizabal's season begins on October 3. It finished second in the 'A' group of La Liga 2 last season.
Alves joins 2018 graduates Alexis Montgomery and Jacinta Beckley as Redhawks to have signed pro contracts since Barcomb's arrival in 2016.