Glenwood's Hert decides to play for CCU

Demon basketball standout to get partial scholarship

Click to Enlarge Browse and Buy Post Independent Photos Glenwood Springs High School senior Kelsie Hert is headed to Colorado Christian University to play basketball. Kara K. Pearson Post Independent file photo

By Jeff Caspersen
May 9, 2008

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Kelsie Hert, College Bound

High school: Glenwood Springs. Headed to: Colorado Christian University, Lakewood. Sport: Basketball. High school accolades: Helped Glenwood to the Class 4A Sweet 16 in 2007 and to the quarterfinals in 2008. Averaged 12.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks a game her senior season for the Demons. Also a scholar: Hert will graduate with a 3.86 GPA. She’s undecided on her college major. “It could be anything from teaching to business,” she said. Why she chose CCU: “The people were so nice and welcoming. I loved the campus and the dorm. I loved the atmosphere a whole lot. That’s what finalized my decision.” Been playing basketball: “Ever since I can remember, really. If i had to pick, I’d say since I was 8.” Favorite high school moment: “I’d have to say those games against Rifle and Moffat County. … Those were the most intense games we have, especially since those two teams are rivals. Any time we played them, it was always intense.” Other sports played in high school: Soccer, volleyball. Hert’s also competed in three triathlons.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado - It wasn't until teammate Sharaya Selsor recruited Kelsie Hert to play in a summer league last year that Hert even entertained the idea of playing basketball beyond high school.

Turns out, that summer league opened the collegiate door for Hert, who last month inked her letter of intent to attend and play basketball at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood. The 6-foot-1 senior, a major cog in Glenwood Springs High School's recent girls basketball success, is receiving a partial scholarship from the private school.

"I never really considered playing in college," she said, "until Sharaya encouraged me to play in the summer league. Once that started going, there were (college) coaches at every tournament. So I guess through her I was able to even have that as a possibility or thought."

CCU coaches spotted Hert at a tournament and the courting process began. Colorado State University-Pueblo also expressed interest but the prospect of living in greater Denver area and CCU's atmosphere overpowered all else.

"The people were so nice and welcoming," Hert said. "I loved the campus and the dorm. I loved the atmosphere a whole lot. That's what finalized my decision."

And Hert brings much-needed height to the Division II CCU program, which posted a school-record 15 wins in 2007-08. The Cougars finished 9-10 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and 15-20 overall.

Glenwood Springs High School’s Kelsie Hert, smiles before signing a national letter of intent to play basketball at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood. Submitted Photo Click to Enlarge Browse and Buy Post Independent Photos

Hert, who averaged 12.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks a game in high school, and fellow recruit Stephenie Allen (Pueblo West High School) will give CCU three 6-footers.

The Cougars liked not only Hert's length, but the mobility that complements her size.

"At 6-1, Kelsie has the size to play inside and the athletic ability to step out and be effective from the perimeter," said CCU head assistant women's basketball coach Nikki Long, who's running the program while the university searches to fill its empty head coaching spot. "Her combination of character and ability will be a tremendous asset to CCU."

Hert's excited about playing for Long and integrating herself into CCU's up-tempo brand of basketball. After all, that fast-paced style of play is mighty similar to the system she played in at Glenwood Springs.

"A lot of fastbreaks, transition baskets," Hert said, summing up her new team's style of play. "That is what I like, what I'm used to. I'm looking forward to it."

Lining up against former Demon teammate, the Metro State-bound Selsor, might seem a little odd, though. Hert and Selsor will square off against each other twice a season in the RMAC.

"That's going to be real exciting," said Hert, who also plans on taking advantage of her high school friend's proximity. "We'll probably hang out on weekends or whenever we have time."

If Hert or Selsor enjoy anything remotely close to their high school success in college, CCU and Metro State are getting their money's worth.

"I'm looking forward to being on the team, having that competitiveness," Hert said. "I'm really looking forward to it, the next challenge."