JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 15, 2007) - Head ETSU women's basketball coach Karen Kemp and her staff announced Thursday afternoon that Natalie Pickwell (Kingsport, Tenn.), Emily Pollock (Smyrna, Tenn.) and Gwen Washington (Manassas, Va.) have signed their national letters of intent to play for the Lady Buccaneers during the 2008-09 season.

"These three recruits all come from very successful high school programs, and we expect them to carry their winning attitudes over to our ETSU program," said Kemp. "They are going to help us reach our goal in winning games and conference championships during their collegiate careers."

Pickwell, a 5-foot-11 guard, was a three-sport all-conference selection in 2006 and 2007, as she starred in basketball, volleyball, and tennis at Sullivan South. The Kingsport native averaged 14 points and six rebounds as junior, and joined the 1,000-point club for the Rebels at the 2007 district tournament. The sharpshooter hit 43 percent of her shots last season, including 31 percent from beyond the arc. After being selected to the 2007 All-Big 9 first team, Pickwell earned a spot on the 2007-08 All-Big 9 Preseason first team.

"When I came here I was committed to recruiting locally at the Division I level, and Natalie is one of those players who fits the mold," added Kemp. "I feel she will come in and contribute immediately to the Lady Buccaneer program."

Washington is as an all-around star player from Stonewall Jackson High in Manassas, Va. The 5-foot-11 guard/forward averaged 16.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 steals during the 2006-07 season for the Raiders. For her career, the Manassas native has scored 1,072 points and grabbed 467 rebounds. Washington has also accumulated a lot of awards during her high school playing days, as she was named 2007 Cedar Run Player of the Year and first team All-District, 2007 All-Washington Post first team, and Regional Player of the Year.

"Gwen is an all-around solid player and can help us in many ways," mentioned Kemp. "She is a very versatile player and a talented scorer. We are happy to have her be apart of the Lady Buccaneer family."

Rounding out the Lady Buccaneer early signing class is Emily Pollock. The 5-foot-3 point guard led the Smyrna Bulldogs to a 31-5 mark last season. Pollock was named All-District 9AAA last season as well as to the all-district tournament team. She was voted Most Athletic Female in her high school, and received All-American AAU honors for Team Pride, which ranked second in the nation.

"Emily is a very quick and unselfish athlete," said Kemp. "She will give us some more depth at the point and is one of those players any coach would love to have on their team. Emily will always give you everything she has when she steps out on the court."

The 2007-08 Lady Buccaneers return to action Friday night when they face Delaware State in the Preseason WNIT. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. ET from the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, Ala.

Please visit www.ETSUBucs.com for more information on Lady Buccaneer basketball and all other ETSU athletic news.