Bolte To Begin Professional Career In France

AMES, Iowa - Former Iowa State women's basketball player Kelsey Bolte has signed a professional contract with Cavigal Nice Basket 06 in Nice, France. Cavigal is a member of France's top women's basketball league, LFB - Ligue Féminine, after earning a promotion last year.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play professionally overseas," Bolte said. "The chance to experience a different culture and see different things is exciting. I look forward to the challenge and am grateful for this opportunity."

Bolte, an Ida Grove, Iowa native, leaves her home state Aug. 1 to join her teammates. The squad opens play following training camp on Sept. 24 against defending league champion Bourges Basket, which went 24-2 during the 2010-11 season.

Bolte's new team finished the 2010-11 season with a 22-8 mark to finish third in Ligue Féminine 2. Cavigal earned a promotion to the top league by winning the promotion tournament. Among Bolte's teammates will be former Kansas player Krysten Boogaard.

Bolte averaged 16.9 points per game as a senior for the Cyclones, helping Iowa State to a 22-11 finish and a fifth-straight berth in the NCAA Tournament. She earned All-America honors and was a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 first team. The sharpshooter finished her career sixth all-time in scoring (1,639 points) and third all-time in 3-pointers made (276).

"It has been a thrill to be a part of the Iowa State women's basketball family," Bolte said. "I've learned so much from coach Fennelly and his staff. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for all the things they have taught me over the past four years."