TISHOMINGO, Okla. (Aug. 28, 2020) – Former Oklahoma Christian basketball player Carolyne Lawley has signed a professional contract with Esgueira of Portugal's Liga Feminina de Basquetebol 1st Division, making her the first former OC women's player to move into the pro ranks.

Lawley, a 6-foot-2 forward-center from Tishomingo, will leave this weekend for Portugal. The team she'll be joining, Esgueira, finished fifth in the league standings last season with an 11-8 record.

"What a crazy ride basketball has taken me on, and it's not over yet," Lawley said. "I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been with me and helped me along this journey. The one thing I am certain of is that I have amazing, kind, generous people in my life, and I would not be where I am today without them."

Lawley played the last three seasons with the Lady Eagles after transferring from Murray State College in her hometown, starting 58 games. As a senior, she averaged 6.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the field and 71.2 percent from the free-throw line.

During the Eurobasket Summer League played in Dallas earlier this year, she averaged 8.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and attracted interest from international pro teams.

"We are very proud to call Carolyne an alum," OC coach Stephanie Findley said. "She was one of the hardest workers we have ever had in our program. Her career here was limited by injury most of the time, but she was as tough as they come and played through it. She is healthy now and I look forward to seeing her game grow and flourish in Portugal. I'm so glad she chose to come to Oklahoma Christian and leave her mark on our program."