Kansas City, MO - Avila women's basketball coach Greg Mittelsteadt announced today that Rachel Dortch has signed a scholarship agreement with Avila University. A 5'9 perimeter player from Lee's Summit West High School, Rachel is the daughter of John and Michelle Dortch.

Under the direction of head coach Kirk Hipple, Dortch was West's leading scorer last season and was a 1st team All-Conference selection for the Titans who advanced to the Missouri Class 4 District Championship game. She is currently averaging 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game for West. She was also a member of the Kansas Dream Team summer program under the direction of head coach Sam Ward and will study Nursing at Avila.

Dortch's signing ceremony on December 14th marked a historic day for Lee's Summit West High School as she became the first female athlete in school history to sign an athletic scholarship with a college or university.

According to Coach Mittelsteadt, "Rachel is a great early signee for us. She is an athletic, versatile player who is an excellent shooter. She will give us another perimeter threat and has the ability to defend a wide variety of individuals on the floor. More importantly, she is an excellent student and quality person as well. We are extremely pleased to have her join our program. We continue to have success in recruiting talented individuals from the Kansas City metro area and know that Rachel's talents will complement our team very well."

Founded in 1916, Avila is a comprehensive university offering more than 35 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Avila competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.