HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba Valley Community College sophomore guard Nikkyana McCaskill has signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Fayetteville State University.
Joined by her family, friends and teammates, McCaskill made her signing official on Sunday in a ceremony held at the Tarlton Complex.
McCaskill is grateful to continue her career in the classroom and court, but even more thankful for her journey at Catawba Valley.
"I just want to say that CVCC was the greatest experience I've ever had," McCaskill said. "I had a coach that cared about me as a person and my teammates are truly my sisters. I learned so much in coach England's program, and I am in the best shape I've ever been. I want to thank everyone who helped me grow as a person and enhance my athletic ability. I will miss CVCC, but I will forever be a Lady Red Hawk. I look forward to my next journey at Fayetteville State University."
McCaskill averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game this past season for the Red Hawks, helping them go 26-6 overall and 20-2 in Region X play.
The 5-foot-2 guard from Gastonia, N.C. was a key defensive piece for a Red Hawks team that averaged 10.4 steals per contest and limited opposing teams to just 37.8 shooting percent from the field.
McCaskill also etched her name into the CVCC record books this past season, recording the most 3-point field goals attempted in a season (129) while still shooting 34.1 percent from behind the line.
Off the court, McCaskill is a standout in the classroom, graduated this spring with a 3.3 grade point average.
"It has been a pleasure coaching Nikky and to see her growth has been remarkable," said CVCC head women's basketball coach Tisha England. "She is undersized, but has a big heart with great skills and shooting ability. Her vocal leadership and directing the team was vital to our success. Nikky will do great things at Fayetteville State in the classroom as well as on the court. I look forward to watching her play in the CIAA. She will truly be missed."
McCaskill joins Shaniya Lester (UNC Pembroke), Tanisha Wall (Montreat College) and Joyous Wilson (Mars Hill) as the fourth member of the 2017-18 Catawba Valley women's basketball team sophomore class to sign with a four-year school.