JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 19, 2008) - Head ETSU women's basketball coach Karen Kemp and her staff went after a much-needed fill, as they announced Wednesday afternoon that Ashley Crider (Orlando, Fla.) signed her National Letter of Intent to play for the Lady Buccaneers in 2009-10.

Crider, a 6-1 post from Ocoee High School in Florida, has dominated in every facet for the Knights. She currently holds the all-time school record for rebounds and blocks and is the fifth leading scorer in Ocoee history. In addition, Crider is also the leading shot blocker in the state of Florida and nearly missed recording a triple-double last weekend versus Freedom High School. In the game against the number-two team in the state, the powerful post tallied 10 points, 10 blocks and nine rebounds.

"Since joining the Atlantic Sun we have been working hard to tap into the Florida pipelines," said Kemp, who landed her first Floridian since arriving at ETSU in 1994. "Ashley is a very versatile player and she will give us much-needed depth at the post position."

The Orlando native has made a huge splash for the Knights in her first three seasons. As a freshman, Crider averaged 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.2 blocks, but in her sophomore year she saw those numbers skyrocket. Crider posted 9.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 blocks in her second year at Ocoee, and as a junior she kept the numbers consistent - finishing the year with 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks.

"Ashley is a very unique player because she can score both from the perimeter and inside," commented Kemp. "She also handles the ball extremely well for her size."

As a freshman Crider was named Ocoee's Team MVP and one year later she was selected the Most Improved Player. In her sophomore season she grabbed a single-game record 13 rebounds and last season posted a single-game best 13 blocks. Crider was also named First Team All-Region for her AAU team as well as First Team All-State. She is on pace to finish with over 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 500 blocks when her career with the Knights comes to an end later this season.

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