Richelle Najera

Women's basketball welcomes junior talent Richelle Najera

(CSULA - UT) On Tuesday, Golden Eagles head coach Janell Jones announced women’s basketball's newest junior college addition, Richelle Najera. At 5'9" the LA Valley College recruit was the Monarchs MVP in 2010-11 averaging 14.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while helping the team reach an overall record of 17 wins and 12 losses last season.

While playing for The Monarchs, Najera earned first-team all-Western State South Conference honors. She also averaged 14.9 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, leading the Monarchs 8-4, finishing second in the conference. While attending Walnut High school, she not only played varsity all four years but also left as the school's all-time leading scorer. Outside of basketball, Najera is majoring in kinesiology with hopes to teach health science and also coach a basketball team of her own in the future.

When asked why she chose the Eagles, Najera answered, “Coach Jones,” describing her as “ legit and real.” Najera also added that Jones “knows what she wants,” in regard to the upcoming season, citing her as the main reasons for joining CSULAs women’s basketball.

Director Jones had good things to say of her new addition to the women’s basketball team as well, “Richelle is a small forward who plays bigger than her size. She is capable of defending and scoring against taller post players.” Jones added, “She has a tremendous work ethic and plays tough. Not only is Richelle a great person, but she is also a great teammate. She will make an immediate impact in our program with her positive energy.”

The CSULA Athletics Department’s website states their efforts are “dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, professionalism and competitive excellence.” Golden Eagles will see how Najera contributes to the women’s basketball team when next season begins this November.

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