SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Head Coach Christy Smith and the University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball program announced Monday the signing of Laci Hawthorne to a National Letter of Intent and the addition of Camille Cunningham as a preferred walk-on.
 
"We are very excited to have Laci and Camille join our women's basketball family," Smith said. "I believe Laci's athleticism and Camille's aggressiveness will have an immediate impact on our team."
 
A 5'11" guard/forward out of Fort Worth, Hawthorne joins the Cardinals after an illustrious career at Boswell High School and Lake Country Christian School. As a senior at Boswell, Hawthorne averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals. While playing for Lake Country, she led the Eagles to a TAPPS 3A State Championship, earning First Team All-State honors. Hawthorne was named TABC State Player of the Year for Texas private schools and was also a member of the All-State team.
 
"Laci is a strong, athletic wing, who is able to get to the rim and score," Smith said. "She is a very good rebounder, can post up, can run the floor and plays hard all the time. Laci was the MVP of the state tournament her junior year, and an all-academic team member. We are excited to see her grow and compete here at UIW!"
 
A 5'6" guard out of Cibolo, Cunningham joins the Cardinals from local power Byron P. Steele High School. A former linebacker on the Knights' football team, Cunningham averaged five points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals as a senior. She landed 27-6A Second Team All-District and Academic All-District honors, while also earning TABC Academic All-State recognition.
 
"Camille has a very strong will and a competitive heart," Smith said. "She grew up playing football with many of the Cibolo Steele players, and that toughness shows on the basketball court. We are excited to have her join our program!"
 
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Next season UIW will be eligible for postseason play and the women's basketball coaching staff is determined to have the program ready to compete for a Southland Conference Championship immediately.
 
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