Buffs Sign Rachel Hargis To National Letter Of Intent

BOULDER - Rachel Hargis has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball and continue her education at the University of Colorado in 2010-11, CU head coach Linda Lappe announced Thursday.

"Rachel provides some much needed depth in the post and we are excited to have her on board," said Lappe of her first recruit to Colorado. "She played for a tremendous high school and club program and we'll expect her to bring those winning ways to Colorado."

Hargis, a 6-foot, 4-inch center from Robinson, Texas, was a three-year all-district performer for Robinson High School, located just southeast of Waco. She averaged 14.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 52 percent from the field as a senior, guiding the Rockets to an overall record of 20-12, a second place finish in District 19-3A and a spot in the 3A Region Quarterfinals.

"I'm looking forward to the experience of competing in the Big 12 Conference," Hargis said. "It's going to be a lot of fun and it's a great opportunity.

"Colorado definitely made me feel welcome and I felt comfortable with everyone there; coach Lappe; the players. I feel (Colorado) can be a second home for me and that I will fit in great there."

Hargis had a story book junior season in 2009 as Robinson went 34-5 and won the Texas 3A state championship. She was named the championship game MVP, scoring 20 points and recording 13 rebounds in the Rockets' 49-33 win over Argyle High School. Hargis was named to the All-State Tournament Team and All-Region Tournament Team. She averaged 10.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks as a junior, earning Waco Tribune-Herald SuperCenTex First Team honors as well as All-District 19-3A First Team accolades.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for Rachel, getting to experience playing at that level," Robinson girls basketball head coach Brenda Gomez said. "She is a hard worker and very coachable. She does a good job with people inside, runs the floor really well and can even help a little bit with ball handling."

Hargis was named to the Waco Tribune-Herald's SuperCenTex Second Team as a sophomore and a senior. She plays AAU ball with the DFW Elite on the T-Jack Elite squad. Hargis is rated the No. 43 post player in the nation by ESPN.com's HoopGurlz and was a 2010 McDonald's All-American Game nominee.

A four-time academic all-district selection, she is also involved in the National Honor Society, volleyball, track & field, Spirit Leading and FCA at Robinson. She is scheduled to graduate on June 3 and is undecided on a college major, but is interested in psychology and physical therapy.

Hargis is the fourth member of Colorado's 2010-11 signing class. She joins Shae Kelley, a 6-0 forward from Denver East High School and twin guards Ashley and Brittany Wilson of Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif., who signed in November.