ZAMORA, Spain – University of the Incarnate Word basketball alum Celia Garcia Paunero has signed a professional contract with CD Zamarat, the club announced.
 
"I am very happy for this honor," Garcia Paunero said. "I want to thank my coaches and teammates for all the work that was done. I'm very excited to start my professional career with CD Zamarat. I think it's a great opportunity for me, and I'm going to work hard to make the most out of it."
 
Garcia Paunero was named Second Team All-Southland Conference and secured one of five spots on the SLC All-Defensive Team at the conclusion of her senior season with the Cardinals.
 
"We are so proud of Celia," UIW Women's Basketball Head Coach Christy Smith said. "Being able to watch her set goals a year ago and see those goals come to life, is such a blessing. Celia is the perfect example of what someone can achieve when they set their mind to something and work hard. Hopefully we will be able to catch some of her games this year on the internet, and cheer her on from the San Antonio."
 
Over the 2016-17 campaign, Garcia Paunero led UIW to its first victories in program history over Houston Baptist, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Sam Houston. She also helped the Cardinals to their first season-sweep of Nicholls. Garcia Paunero guided UIW to seven league victories, equaling the number of Southland wins the program had over its first three years of transition to NCAA Division I combined.
 
Garcia Paunero was a workhorse for the Cardinals all season long, turning in 18 double-doubles (sixth nationally), including 11 double-doubles in conference play. She was the only player in the league to grab 20 rebounds in a game, had three 20-20 performances and was named Southland Conference Player of the Week twice. Garcia Paunero led the SLC with 11.6 boards per game (fifth nationally). She finished the season in the top-15 in the Southland in defensive rebounding (first), minutes played (third), free throw percentage (third), scoring (fifth), offensive rebounding (seventh), three-point field goals made (eighth) and blocked shots (ninth).
 
Garcia Paunero was the first UIW player in 26 years to average a double-double for a season. She was the first Cardinal in program history named to an All-Southland Conference Team and the first since 2012-13 to land a spot on an All-Defensive Team.
In conference play, Garcia Paunero averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per contest.
 
STAY TUNED
 
Next season the Cardinals will be eligible for postseason play and the UIW women's basketball coaching staff is determined to have the program ready to compete for a Southland Conference Championship immediately.
 
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