From Washington University Athletics
After four standout seasons at Washington University in St. Louis, graduate Melissa Gilkey will continue her basketball career in Denmark.
Gilkey has signed a one-year contract with the Virum Vipers, a team that is based out of a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark. The Vipers are competing in the Danish Women's Professional League after spending the last two seasons in the second tier of Danish Basketball.
"I am so thankful to have the opportunity to play professional basketball," Gilkey said in an interview from Ecuador. "To be a professional athlete has always been a dream of mine, and to be able to play for a year in the top division in Denmark is extremely exciting."
Gilkey earned first-team All-America honors in 2014-15 after leading the Bears in scoring (19.1 ppg), rebounding (8.9) and blocked shots (45). She also earned first-team all-Central Region honors and was named the UAA Player of the Year.
Gilkey recorded 11 double-doubles and scored in double figures in 25 games this past season. She also topped the 20-point mark in 13 games as a senior, including 30 or more points in three career games. Gilkey was one of 10 finalists for the 2015 Jostens Trophy.
"One of the most competitive, driven and dedicated players I have ever coached has earned the opportunity to continue her career professionally. We couldn't be more proud of Melissa," said WashU head coach Nancy Fahey. "We knew that she had more basketball to play. I am confident she will represent Wash U and Division III women's basketball extremely well!"
One of 13 players in school history to surpass 1,000 career points, she finished her career second on WashU's all-time scoring list with 1,707 points. Gilkey also ranks third in career rebounds (876), fourth in blocked shots (144) and sixth in free-throw percentage (.785).
"The experience I had at Wash U has more than prepared me for this and I feel so lucky to have such an incredible support system behind me through this whole process," Gilkey added. "I wouldn´t be where I am if it weren´t for the help of my coaches, teammates, athletic administration, and WashU alumni I never got the chance to play with. I am going to miss my bear family, but I am so thankful that I don´t yet have to give up the sport I love."
The Virum Vipers' addition to the Danish Women's Professional League ups the membership to eight teams playing in Denmark's top tier basketball conference. The 2015-16 regular season is set to begin in late September with the playoffs culminating with the finals in April