ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Women's Basketball is proud to announce the signing of Hawaii Pacific transfer and Washington native, Nicole Wertenberger.
 
"We are excited to announce the signing of Nicole Wertenberger," CWU Head Women's Basketball Coach Randi Richardson said. "Firstly, Nicole embodies our values and will add tremendously to the culture of our program as she is hard working, high academic, and just loves the game. Basketball-wise, Nicole is a competitive and dynamic guard. She plays physically, values defense and can score for you in different ways. Her versatility and physicality in her skillset and her competitive team first mindset is an exciting addition as we continue to work to elevate our program to new heights."
 
Wertenberger spent her freshman campaign at Hawaii Pacific helping the Sharks to a 10-16 record. She averaged three points per game and 1.3 rebounds per game, she also added seven assists, one block, and seven steals. She shot 32.3 percent from the floor, 34 percent from three, and went a perfect 3-3 at the free-throw line.
 
The West Richland native is a 2024 graduate of Kamiakin high School. While with the Braves she was a four-year varsity starter helping lead her squad to three conference championships as well as a district championship her senior season and a fifth-place finish at states in 2022-23. She earned All-Conference honors three times including a First Team honor her senior season and was tabbed All-State in 2024. She averaged 18 points per game over her career, surpassing 1,000 points.
 
On top of being a standout on the court, Wertenberger also excelled on the field in soccer. She was a four-year starter for the Braves soccer team where she earned First Team All-Conference twice and was also tabbed All-State in 2022 and 2023. She was inducted into the Kamiakin High School Hall of Fame and was a member of the National Honors Society with a 3.9 GPA.
 
She is undecided on a major to pursue at this time and when asked why she chose CWU, she said, "I chose Central for many reasons. Being given the opportunity to be a part of such a good culture is a blessing. I felt at home right away, all of the girls on the team were so welcoming and seemed like such genuine people that will challenge me everyday to be the best version of myself. Coach Randi and Coach Jes embody the aspects of coaching that I've been looking for. The core values, support, and goals they have for this program is something that is so important to me. I am excited to be pushed academically and athletically to help me excel in all parts of my life as well as be surrounded by great people."