KVCC likes Shudell's leadership qualities for next level

WHITE PIGEON — The White Pigeon girls' basketball team had a successful season on the court.

Graduating senior Leigha Shudell played a big part in that success for the Lady Chiefs. Now, at the end of her senior year at White Pigeon, Shudell has a direction on where her life will be heading.

Shudell will be continuing her academic and basketball careers with Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

"I started really working hard in the summer and looking to get into the best shape I could," she said of preparing for her final season on the court for the Chiefs. "I knew being a senior would have some expectations. Winning the SouthWest10 this year was great."

White Pigeon played to a tie with Cassopolis atop the conference standings this season. It was the first conference title for White Pigeon since the 2009-10 season.

Shudell will be joining a team coached by Felicia Thomas, who was in attendance for the official signing a few weeks ago. Thomas is entering her eighth season as the head coach at KVCC.

"I like her ability to score and I see her leadership side as well. Looking at that, the leadership aspect is No. 1 on my list, honestly. I want to recruit freshmen who possess those leadership qualities," Thomas said. "She has that, and I'm most excited about that for her. She can also shoot the 3-ball and fits into our offensive style."

Thomas said she expects up to seven sophomores to return to the team next season.

Shudell said she is looking forward to fitting in with her new teammates. Her favorite foods are pastas and her favorite time in the classroom was spent during gym time. Basketball is in her blood and she's excited to see what comes next.

"I've always been playing basketball. When I was younger, I was always playing in my back yard and I really started to enjoy it," she said. "Continuing to be able to play is what I am most looking forward to."

Brooke McClure, head coach at White Pigeon, said Shudell should be able to make the transition to college basketball. It's not for everyone, but Shudell possesses the attributes needed.

"She has a super positive attitude and was always help to keep practice light and fun while also getting work in," McClure said. "We needed that with the long season. She also has the ability to score inside and out."

Shudell averaged better than 15 points and seven rebounds as a senior on the courts this year. She was named First Team All-Conference and tabbed as a member of the Journal's Dream Team this year as well.

When it comes to academics, Shudell said she has aspirations of studying business in college.

"My dad's an electrician and I've always wanted to help work with him on the business side of things," she said.

Like many student-athletes heading to the next level, Shudell said she does have some butterflies about a handful of things. Moving to a new place and going to a new school will both be challenges and can be a bit scary, but she's also up for those challenges.

"It's not too big of a school but it's also not too small," she said. "It's close, but also far enough. I think it will be a great fit for me once I get adjusted."

Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at watson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Leigha Shudell will play basketball for KVCC