Women's Basketball 4/9/2020 11:55:00 AM David Halstead

Reece's journey from Australia to Saint Francis

Loretto, Pa. – In early January, Charli Reece (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia/Hillcrest Christian) packed up her bags in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and boarded a flight to America. Just over 9,000 miles later, she arrived on the Saint Francis campus.

Reece is a freshman criminal justice major and a member of the Red Flash women's basketball program. She practiced with the team throughout the spring semester, but didn't play in games in order to maintain four years of eligibility. Reece, who came on a visit to Saint Francis in October, chose SFU because of the family atmosphere and how well she connected with the coaching staff.

"Since I would be coming so far from home, it was important for me to go somewhere that I would be comfortable," Reece said. "I had communication with the coaching staff over a long period of time, so my decision to come to Saint Francis to play basketball felt right."

Adjusting to American culture and college basketball was a difficult change at first. The biggest difference in the game is a new type of ball and a 30 second shot clock in America.

"With Australia having a 24 second shot clock, the game is a bit faster meaning there is less time for lengthy offenses with more motion plays being set in place," Reece said. "America is more structured, while Australia tends to play more off of each other."

In addition to playing basketball, Reece has enjoyed the educational and social environment at Saint Francis. She is hoping to pursue a career in law enforcement.

"I have really enjoyed the educational aspects at Saint Francis with everyone being super supportive," Reece said. "It has made the transition a lot easier. My favorite part about being on campus would have to be the people I have met."

Head coach Keila Whittington, who just completed her first year at the helm of the women's basketball program, is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the Red Flash. The addition of the 6'2 Reece provides another strong presence down low for the team.

"I am very excited to have Charli join our program," Whittington said. "She came to us in January to get a head start on adjusting to life in the U.S. and college basketball. She is a delightful young lady who is eager to learn and will provide more depth in the post position. We are looking forward to continuing to work with her and watching her grow and develop into a great post presence."

For now, Reece is back home in Australia completing courses online while campus is closed due to the coronavirus. She can't wait for the opportunity to come back to Saint Francis and play in a game for the Red Flash.

"I am really excited and can't wait to get out there," Reece said. "I am hoping to develop my game to be the best player I can be, utilizing the facilities of Saint Francis to do so."

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Players Mentioned

#24 Charli Reece: F; 6' 2"; Freshman; Criminal Justice

Players Mentioned

#24 Charli Reece
: 6' 2"; Freshman; Criminal Justice
: F

Players Mentioned

#24 Charli Reece

Players Mentioned

#24 Charli Reece