May 11, 2012

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Kiana Gandy, who earned first-team South Puget Sound League North Division all-star honors as a senior at Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, has signed a national letter of intent to play women's basketball at Western Washington University. Making that announcement was Viking coach Carmen Dolfo.

"She's got great athleticism, great potential and she's a great student," said Dolfo. "That combination makes her a wonderful addition to our team."

As a senior, the 5-foot-10 Gandy helped the Rams to a 27-2 record, league and district titles, and third place at the Class 4A state tournament. She averaged 14.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

Mount Rainier's team captain her last two seasons, Gandy scored 27 points in a game against Kentlake. She averaged 12.1 points and 7.4 rebounds as a junior on a 22-7 squad that finished seventh at state. That year she grabbed 19 rebounds in one contest.

Gandy lettered four years and started three for the Rams. She also earned three letters in track and field.

WWU graduated just one senior from last season's 22-8 team that reached the NCAA Division II West Regional semifinals.

KIANA GANDY, Forward, 5-10, 18, 9/15/94, Freshman, Des Moines, WA

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team all-South Sound Puget League North Division selection as senior at Mount Rainier High School ... Helped Rams to 27-2 record, league and district titles and third place at Class 4A state tournament ... Averaged 14.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks ... Scored 27 points vs. Kentlake ... Team captain for second straight year ... As junior, played on 22-7 squad that placed seventh at state ... Averaged 12.1 points and 7.4 rebounds ... Grabbed 19 rebounds in one game ... Bi-District all-tournament pick ... Lettered four years and started three ... Also lettered three years in track.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in psychology ... Senior class secretary ... Her father, Joe, played basketball at WWU.