Tiarna Clarke signs Division 1 Scholarship to University of Northern Colorado

Tiarna Clarke has confirmed she will join the great New Zealand basketball migration to U.S. College, after signing to the University of Northern Colorado.

Clarke says she was signed on a full four-year scholarship, after choosing UNC over a number of colleges.

"Early on in my recruitment the contact from many colleges was overwhelming. I had a couple of offers very early on but wasnt ready to commit. UNC stayed in contact from day one, and after meeting the coaches, team and visiting the campus, I decided it was the right place to be."

The recruitment process began for the Junior Tall Fern when she joined Custom College Recruiting, who Clarke says distributed footage of her game-highlights to colleges throughout the U.S.

"By attending College I hope to better my game and skills, and get a great education. I would eventually like to get a Physio or Business Degree."

Clarke has a long list of provincial caps for Harbour Basketball, and New Zealand representative caps for a number of age group teams including the Junior Tall Ferns this year. She attributes her success to a number of factors, including her love of the game.

"Basketball has always been my passion since primary school. I love playing the game and hanging with my team mates, many who have become very good friends. Ive been to some pretty awesome places too, so the travelling is great.

"My coaches and my team mates have had the greatest impact on my basketball. Id also acknowledge my parents for their commitment and support on and off the court, and other family and friends for their support at games. Also Harbour Basketball and Basketball New Zealand who have given me the pathways to further my game."

UNC already boasts one Kiwi on their roster - Tall Fern Krystal Leger-Walker. Clarke says she knew Leger-Walker was at UNC. Although it wasnt the deciding factor for her signing to the college, Clarke says knowing that theres a fellow Kiwi at UNC was definitely a bonus.

"I have always been on opposition teams to Krystal, but we played in the NZ 3x3 Womens team together that went to Hungary in 2015 and we played in the same team for the NZ Maori Tournament this year. It will be great to be playing alongside her again," says Clarke.

The Westlake Girls High School student says shes looking forward to attending U.S. College, but also has longer term goals of playing for the Tall Ferns and maybe playing professionally, but she says shes already had some great experiences thanks to basketball.

"I have so many great memories, but I think putting on the New Zealand strip for the first time was pretty memorable."

Clarke says she hasnt finalised when she will depart for the U.S. but is aiming to attend Summer School and start training around June next year.

People can follow Clarkes journey through her facebook page - @TiarnaClarkeNZBasketball.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand