Courtesy UTEP Athletics
Former player Baiba Eglite will continue her career at the professional level after signing a contract with BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary club in the Czech Republic. The team will officially tip off its season Sept. 26, and it competes in the highest division of play in the country.
"We're extremely happy for Baiba's opportunity to play professional basketball," UTEP head coach Keitha Adams said. "She's an excellent player and a true winner. I have no doubt she's going to be successful in life."
Eglite becomes the 17th player mentored by Adams to go on to compete professionally. Adams sent five players to the next level while racking up the wins at Independence Community College, including WNBA draftees Svetlana Volnaya and Maria Villaroel.
Since assuming the post at UTEP, there have now been 11 individuals to sign a pro deal. They are in the form of Kimya Murray (2001-02), Dragana Zoric (2001-03), Noni Wharemate (2002-04), Vaida Zagurskyte (2002-04), Marta Dydek (2003-05), Dana Penno (2004-05), Kasia Krezel (2004-08) Izabela Piekarska (2004-08), Claudia Porras (2006-08), Jareica Hughes (2006-10), Natasha Lacy (2007-08) and Eglite (2008-12).
Eglite ventured to the Sun City from Latvia, and she overcame plenty of adversity while carving out a quality career. She appeared in 56 career games, including five starts, making a name for herself as a great shooter. Eglite was a senior on the 2012 Conference USA regular-season and tournament champion squad.
She finished her career as almost an 80 percent shooter on free throws (18-23, .783), while also checking in at better than 40 percent on both three-point makes (25-62, .403) and overall field-goal percentage (43-99, 43.4).