Aug. 27, 2010

SPOKANE, Wash. - Former Gonzaga University women's basketball players Heather Bowman and Vivian Frieson have both signed professional contracts with teams overseas. Bowman, who ended her career at GU as the Bulldogs and West Coast Conference all-time leading scorer, will play for Riva Basketball Club, located in the southernmost region of Switzerland. Frieson, who was the first Gonzaga player to be drafted by the WNBA, will play for Kvarnby Basketball located in Mölndal, Sweden.

"I am proud of both of them," said head coach Kelly Graves. "This is a great opportunity to get themselves professional experience and hopefully then get another chance with the WNBA. Both are the type to continue to improve and get stronger and both should have professional careers for a long time. And what a valuable experience to travel and play in these amazing countries."

The Riva Basketball Club won the Swiss league two years ago and is a fairly young team with a few national team players. The other American on the squad with Bowman is Traci Edwards, a center who played for the University of Wisconsin.

Kvarnby Basketball is a member of the Damliga League, the top league in Sweden. Kvarnby's first contest is set for Nov. 3.