Yesterday, Ballard High School student Bev Verduin signed a national letter of intent to play Division 2 collegiate basketball for Central Washington University. Verduin, who has played 64 varsity games for BHS, celebrated with the school community at an announcement event early on Wednesday morning.
At the event, Girls Basketball coach Sara Wetstone shared some highlights of Verduin’s basketball career so far. Wetstone described Verduin as a girl who “dreamed big” when she was younger, attending Girls Basketball camps and imagining herself one day playing for Ballard. Her journey started by watching others play and seeing the hard work they put in to achieve their sporting goals. “Since those days in the Ballard Boys and Girls Club, she has worked hard on the court and in the classroom to accomplish her dream,” says Wetstone.
During her career with the Beavers Verduin has certainly accomplished some athletic milestones. During her freshman year on varsity, she scored 38 points and then quadrupled her scoring with 157 points the next year. By her junior year she nearly doubled her sophomore score with a total of 295 points and also earned 2nd team All-KingCo honors. “In one game, last year, she hit 8 of 10 from the 3pt line and earned Seattle Times Star of the Week that week,” says Wetstone.
Verduin knew that to play at college level she needed to be multi-skilled in all areas so she worked extremely hard during the off season on her ball handling, passing and defense. She worked equally hard on her school work and currently maintains a 3.7 GPA.
Verduin is to be congratulated not only on her momentous achievements on the court, but for her positive attitude towards life in general. “We like and respect Bev as a person. She always has a smile for us, is honest and kind to everyone,” says Wetstone.
Congratulations Bev, the Ballard community is behind you!