Former Vandal’s women’s basketball player Allison Kirby graduated with a degree in exercise science and health and will now continue her basketball career in Germany.
“Here’s to new beginnings!” Kirby announced on social media. “Excited to continue playing the game I love in Germany.”
Kirby played five seasons for the Vandals, receiving academic all-conference selections every season. She played in 133 games recording 583 points, 569 rebounds, 339 assists and 96 steals. She also has the second-best career free-throw percentage in Vandal History at 88.7%.
“Allison is one of the most mentally tough players I have ever coached. She overcame injuries, ups and downs, yet continued to persevere through it all,” women’s basketball head coach Jon Newlee said. “There is absolutely no quit in her, she doesn’t know what that word means. She is a great example of someone working and working to achieve her dreams. She will make the entire Vandal Nation proud as she represents us overseas.”
Kirby will play for Falcons Bad Homburger TG of the Bundesliga, joining another former Vandal, and teammate from the 2018-2019 season, Lizzy Klinker. The Falcons won a championship last season, beating Alba Berlin 93-66 in the final, capping off a 25-win season and a 22-game win streak.
The championship mentality won’t be new for Kirby. Although she only played 20 games in the 2018-2019 season, she was on the team when the Vandals won the Big Sky Championship. She also played a large role in the Vandals run to the Big Sky Playoffs semi-finals in the 2021-2022 season.
Whether it’s in the states or overseas, almost every basketball player has the dream of signing a pro contract. Congratulations to Kirby for reaching this dream and best of luck in Germany.
James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at [email protected]