The UCSB women’s basketball team signed former Iowa State University center Kate Bauman to a scholarship last Friday. Bauman, a 6’6″ interior player, has two years of eligibility remaining.

After participating in the 2000-01 season as a Cyclone and averaging 1.3 points and one rebound in nine contests, Bauman sat out 2001-02 with an injury. During her freshman campaign, ISU was able to sneak into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

The Prior Lake, Minn. native must sit out the 2002-03 season because she is transferring to another Division I school. The Gauchos will first see her don the blue and gold at the end of 2003.

“I’m very excited to sign a player with such tremendous size and ability,” UCSB Head Coach Mark French said. “Coming out of high school, Kate was one of the top four or five post players in the country who fits our mold of being able to run the floor and play great defense.”

Bauman will be able to join 6’8″ center Lindsay Taylor during Taylor’s final season at Santa Barbara in what will arguably be the most imposing frontline in the Big West.

-Nexus Staff Report