LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Forward Seairra Hughes, who was a junior college All-American before playing two seasons at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has joined the Bellarmine University women's basketball team as a graduate transfer.
The 6-foot product of Denver, Colorado, appeared in 47 games with 25 starts from 2022-24 at Southern Illinois. In the latter season, she averaged 9.0 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 49.7 percent from the floor in 24.6 minutes of action per game for the Salukis.
"Seairra brings experience in as a grad transfer," Bellarmine head coach
Monique Reid said. "Her leadership will have a strong and positive influence on the team. She's a high-energy player who consistently raises the intensity on the court. I'm impressed with her scoring ability and the confidence she plays with. She will be a key contributor right away."
Hughes posted three double-doubles in her final season at Southern Illinois. She racked up 14 points and 12 rebounds against Purdue Fort Wayne, 14 points and 13 boards versus Saint Louis and a season-high 18 points and 12 rebounds against Evansville.
"I chose Bellarmine because Coach Mo and Coach Mac (Alison McCarthy) are who I want to be one day," Hughes said. "Coach Mac paved the way for not only me but all mothers in athletics. Coach Mo is the most genuine coach I have ever met. You can't fake what's on the inside and they both have hearts of gold. Their work ethic is like none I have ever seen before. I know they will push me to be the best mama and hooper I can be."
Hughes played her freshman season at Central Arizona College. She was a 2021-22 NJCAA third-team All-American after averaging 15.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.0 percent from the field. She piled up eight games with at least 20 points, including a 31-point outburst against Glendale College, and delivered a 21-rebound performance against Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
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