ELLENSBURG—Two of the brightest stars from Central Washington's history-making women's basketball team will play in the professional ranks this fall.
 
Kassidy Malcolm and Kizzah Maltezo recently signed professional contracts with teams in Czech Republic and Romania, respectively.
 
"I am incredibly happy for both Kassidy and Kizzah," CWU head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "Their talent, leadership, mentalities, and work ethics will serve them well in their next steps. I'm so proud of both of them. They had a tremendous positive impact on our program and I'm so excited to see the opportunities that continue to come forward as a result of their commitment, selflessness, and hard work that they put in during their time as a Wildcat. I can't wait to follow their careers and the life experiences they both get to have alongside playing the game that they both love."  
 
Malcolm, the 2022 GNAC Player of the Year and a first-team All-West Region selection, has signed with Kara Trutnov in the Czech League (ZBL). Maltezo, a first-team All-GNAC selection in '22, inked a pact with CSM Alexandria in Alexandria, Romania.
 
Malcolm averaged 17.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in helping the Wildcats to the GNAC Tournament championship and an NCAA West Regional semifinal appearance. She ended her career in the 'Burg sixth all-time in both career scoring and rebounding.
 
"I love nothing more than traveling and experiencing new places, so when the opportunity to play overseas presented itself, I knew I couldn't pass it up," Malcolm said. "To be able to travel and play basketball is truly a dream come true. I am so thankful and beyond excited for the opportunity to go play overseas in the Czech Republic."
 
Maltezo led the GNAC in scoring at 18.8 points per game in her final collegiate season. She set the CWU season record in 2021-22 with 602 points.
 
"I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to further my basketball career," Maltezo said. "This is something I have dreamed of ever since I was a little girl and I picked up a basketball. I just want to thank God for guiding me through this journey and giving me the ability to pursue this opportunity. I also want to thank Randi and the coaching staff here at CWU because I would not be able to be chasing this lifelong dream of mine. Thank you so much to the athletic department here at Central who welcomed me with open arms the second I stepped onto campus and for supporting me as I continue my post-CWU journey. I am excited to play overseas starting in September."