Christensen adds local standout to 2017 class

MITCHELL, S.D. – Coming off another successful season and a trip to the national tournament, the Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team added Ethan, S.D., native Rachel Hawkins to the 2017 recruiting class on Monday.

 Hawkins and the Ethan Rustlers closed out their season with a third-place finish in the South Dakota Class B State Girls Basketball Tournament. She helped her team to a 24-2 record, including a 71-7 record in the last three years. In 2015 Ethan was crowned state champions, followed by a runner-up finish in 2016 and a third-place finish in 2017.

 The 5-foot-10 versatile guard tallied over 1,000 points in her high school career, backed by over 600 assists. She recorded nearly 10 points and six assists per game. In basketball she was a five-year starter for Head Coach Tom Young. She was also a six-year letterwinner and was on the all-tournament team her junior and senior year, while gaining second team all-state honors as a sophomore and junior.

 "Rachel is one of the top versatile players in the area," Head Coach Jason Christensen said. "She comes from a well-coached and winning program and will fit right in at DWU."

 Off the basketball court she was also a five-year starter in volleyball, while also earning five letters and being named to the CBH All-Conference team five times. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Gold Honor Roll.

 "Off the court, Rachel excels in the classroom, making her a perfect fit for not only our program, but for the entire Tiger family."