HAMMOND, Ind. – Nicollette “Nicci” Desimone, a senior at Elkhart Memorial High School, signed to play basketball with the Purdue University Calumet Peregrines for the 2008-09 season. Desimone, a 5-6 guard, led her team shooting 77 percent from the charity stripe in her junior year. The 3-year starter has made a career 71 three-pointers and totaled 399 points.Desimone is the first recruit to sign for the 2008-09 season by Peregrine Head Coach Tom Megyesi.

“When Nicci signed, I felt like I won the lottery,” Megyesi said. “Nicci is excellent on both the basketball floor and in the classroom.”

Desimone ranks in the top 10 percent of her class and has been an honor roll student throughout high school. Megyesi said Desimone is a healthy addition to the Peregrines.

“Her personality is a perfect fit with our team,” Megyesi said. “I am elated that she selected Purdue University Calumet for continuing her academic and athletic careers.”

Purdue University Calumet is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Division II. The NAIA has no restrictions on the time of year an athlete can be signed.