Sophie Reichelt Signs Professional Basketball Contract

All-Summit League forward to join pro team in Germany

MACOMB, Ill. – Former Western Illinois women's basketball standout Sophie Reichelt (Mill Creek, Wash./Holy Names Academy) signed a professional contract to play for the Krofdorf Knights in Germany. She begins the preseason next month.

"I am over the moon to be able to play at a professional level. I am excited to play in Germany and to know more about my culture since I am 50 percent German. I am also getting the opportunity to attend University of Giessen," said Reichelt, who plans on taking classes to study German and then for a master's degree in business administration. "The team has a wide variety of players from all parts of Europe and I think 2-3 of us are from the states. My roommate is from the Netherlands and has been really kind and fun to get to know."

A four-year letterwinner, Reichelt earned Second Team All-Summit League honors last season, averaging 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game along with 39 blocks, 43 assists and 28 steals. Starting in all 32 games last year, she shot 32 percent from 3-point range and 76 percent from the free throw line. In November, she was the Tournament MVP of the North Florida Classic.

During her senior year, Reichelt scored in double-figures her final 18 games and 27-of-32 times during the season. She helped Western pick up the program's first-ever Division I postseason win as the Leathernecks defeated Southern Illinois in the opening round of the Women's WBI Tournament last March before losing on the road in the quarterfinals.

Following her standout career, she finished among the Western Illinois 'Top 10' in 3-point field goals (7th/110), free throw percentage (10th/.747), and blocks (3rd/75). Reichelt tallied 970 career points in 108 games with 60 starts. She graduated with her bachelor's degree last May and her new adventure overseas will begin next month.

"Our season runs from October to the end of March and postseason play runs in April. I will be leaving August 6 to start the preseason and get acclimated," said Reichelt. "Games will happen on Saturdays and I'll travel all over Germany… the farthest I will go will be about 5 hours (South Dakota road trips totally prepared me)."

Reichelt was one of the first recruits signed by JD Gravina, and the Leathernecks' head coach is excited to see the second player he's coached take the next step and play professional basketball overseas.

"What a great opportunity for Sophie to continue her basketball career," said Gravina. "It's rewarding as a coach to look at her improvement as a player over her four years and see her hard work pay off."

Reichelt also thanked the Leatherneck faithful for the last four years.

"I can't believe all of my hard work has paid off. If it wasn't for the long meetings with coach JD (Gravina) or (associate head coach Seth) Minter, I don't think I would have this opportunity," stated Reichelt. "To play at a higher level. I am excited for this opportunity and forever grateful the support the Leatherneck community has given me!"

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Players Mentioned

#44 Sophie Reichelt: F; 6' 2"; Senior; Holy Names Academy

Players Mentioned

#44 Sophie Reichelt
: 6' 2"; Senior; Holy Names Academy
: F

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Players Mentioned

#44 Sophie Reichelt

Players Mentioned

#44 Sophie Reichelt