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From Finlandia University Sports Information
Finlandia University women’s basketball coach Terry Klemett has announced that Valerie Rajala and Brooke Pasanen have committed to continue their education and basketball careers at Finlandia University starting in the fall.
Rajala, a 5’10” forward, averaged 10 points per game while shooting 56% from the floor and grabbed 12 rebounds per game for L’Anse High School. She led the Purple Hornets to a 20-4 record, a West-Pac Conference title and a district title during her senior season. During Valerie’s senior season she was named to the West-Pac All-Conference First Team and was named to the All-UP Second Team.
While at Finlandia, Valerie will be majoring in Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and Business.
“Getting Valerie really fills a need we have under the basket,” said Coach Klemett. “Valerie is a tremendous athlete and a fantastic ball player and is one that doesn’t need the ball to have an impact on the game. She knows the game very well and will fit in perfectly to our program.”
Pasanen, a 5’7” guard, averaged 14 points (52% FG, 39% 3-point FG), 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game for Superior Central High School. During her senior season, she led the Cougars to a 21-3 record, a Central UP Conference Title, district title, and to the regional finals. As a junior and a senior, Brooke was a Central UP All-Conference First Team selection. She was also named to the All-UP Second Team as a senior.
Currently, Brooke is undecided on a major.
“Brooke is an extremely strong and smart basketball player,” said Coach Klemett. “She won a ton of games in her high school career and will help carry that tradition on here at Finlandia. Brooke is a very driven leader and will only get better.”
