Cougars Add Three Dynamic Scorers With 2015 Signing Class

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State Women’s Basketball Head Coach June Daugherty announced Monday that Borislava Hristova, Maria Kostourkova and Alexys Swedlund have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program next season.

Hristova is a 6-0 guard/forward out of Varna, Bulgaria. She earned MVP honors of the 2014 U18 European Championship for Bulgaria, averaging 27.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 2.3 apg. In 2011, she was named MVP of the U16 European Championships after averaging 25.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.9 apg for Bulgaria while playing against players at least a year older. Hristova is rated the No. 1 overall international collegiate prospect for her age by NetScouts Basketball International.

“I chose WSU because my goal is to become a better basketball player and one day play in the WNBA and also play professionally back in Europe,” Hristova stated. “I am sure WSU is the perfect place to pursue my goal because of the great coaching staff who made me feel confident and very excited to join the Cougar basketball family.”

“Borislava is one of the most prolific scoring guards in her age group in the world. She is an exciting young basketball player and a great talent,” Daugherty said. “She has competed against the best players in Europe while representing the Bulgarian National team and the two MVP awards she earned at the FIBA European championships tells it all.”

Kostourkova is a 6-4 center from Lisbon, Portugal. This summer at the U18 European Championships, she averaged 13.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg and shot over 52 percent from the floor. Last year, she earned MVP honors at the U16 European Championships after averaging 17.1 ppg and 13.7 rpg. Kostourkova is ranked the third-best international collegiate prospect according to Peach State Basketball who said “Kostourkova is an elite post prospect with an abundance of offensive and defensive tools. She can make scoring moves over both shoulders and isn’t afraid to be physical around the rim.” She was also rated the fourth-best international collegiate prospect for her age by NetScouts Basketball International.

“Going to the United States has always my ambition. I’m glad that WSU is giving me the chance to work hard and grow up as a player and as a person,” Kostourkova said. “I feel confident that the coaches and team will help me achieve my goals.”

“Maria is one of the most skilled young international post players. She will be a force offensively and defensively,” Daugherty added. “Being named MVP of the Under 16 European Championships was a huge accomplishment and testament of her talents. Being ranked top five in the world makes her the highest rated post to ever join the Cougar basketball program.”

Swedlund is a two-time All-State selection and two-time State Champion out of St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, S.D. As a junior last season, the 5-11 guard averaged 20.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.4 apg and 3.1 spg while shooting over 46 percent, hitting a state-record 64 three-pointers. Swedlund earned Second-Team All-State accolades in 2013 and All-State First-Team honors as a junior. She was named Girls Basketball Athlete of the Year by South Dakota Sports Buzz after helping STMHS to a 24-1 overall record and a State A title, recording 28 points and 10 rebounds in the championship game.

Swedlund has garnered first-Team All-Conference honors in each of her first three seasons, reaching the 1,000-career point milestone at the beginning of her junior season and enters her senior campaign with 1,407 career points including 181 3-pointers. She has also lettered five times in track and field and twice in cross country, finishing second in the 400m dash at State as freshman and placing fourth the past two seasons.

“I chose Washington State because I know that the coaching staff and administration will not only build me as a woman of character but also as a ferocious competitor in the game of basketball,” Swedlund stated. “The campus is beautiful, my future teammates are amazing, and the coaching staff provides a second family atmosphere. It is an honor and privilege to call myself a Coug.”

“We are proud to have Alexys select Washington State University to achieve her collegiate academic and athletic pursuits. Alexys is a very talented scorer who is an extremely dedicated athlete and hard worker,” Daugherty said of Swedlund. “She will provide a powerful scoring package and good physical size at the guard position for the Cougars.”