SAN DIEGO - San Diego women's basketball signed West Coast natives Laura Erikstrup and Gabby Giuffre to NLIs, as announced Wednesday by head coach Cindy Fisher.
 
"I am absolutely thrilled to add Laura and Gabby to our USD family," said Fisher. "Both of these young women will have an immediate impact on our program."
 
Erikstrup, the Portland, Ore. native, prepped at Beaverton High School and served as the basketball program's captain last season. Erikstrup helped lead her team to two consecutive state tournament appearances as the team finished third overall in 2018-19.
 
The 6-2 center has been recognized every season of her scholastic career, earning league honorable mention in 2016 and All-Metro second and first team honors the following seasons. In 2018, Erikstrup was named the team MVP and Player of the Game twice in the state tournament.
 
Erikstrup also boasts international experience having attended training camp for the Danish U18 National Team in 2018.
 
"Laura has been an absolute joy to coach," said Beaverton High School head coach Kathy Adelman Naro. "Her incredible inside presence, willingness to play with grit and determination and overall infectious enthusiasm are qualities she has given to us at Beaverton. I have no doubt she will bring them to the University of San Diego."
 
Erikstrup's identical twin sister Sydney will also play collegiate basketball next season.
 
"I ultimately chose USD because of the atmosphere I felt between the coaches and players," said Erikstrup. "It had a true family feel. I also loved the location and the sunshine."
 
San Diego also signed Giuffre, a 5-11 guard from La Selva Beach, Calif. Giuffre prepped at Aptos High School as a dual-sport athlete making the varsity volleyball team her junior and senior years.
 
Giuffre has served as the starting point guard during her three seasons for Aptos and was named an All-SCCAL first team selection last season. The California native hit her 1,000-career point during the Central Coast Section Championship game in 2019. She currently ranks second all-time for most threes and assists in a single season.
 
"Gabby was born to be a baller," said club coach Bobby Bramlett. "Her basketball IQ is exceptional, and she is a natural leader, mature beyond her years. Gabby has represented herself, her family, her school, and her club team with distinction and excellence."
 
The guard boasts strong postseason accolades, winning the 2017 and 2019 Central Coast Section Championship and a runner-up finish in 2018. Giuffre's team also made it to the CIF NorCal D-III regional quarterfinals in 2017 and 2018.
 
Giuffre adds some national team experience having attended the USA Olympic Trials for the U16 team in 2018.
 
"I chose USD because of the competitive conference they play in and the girls," said Giuffre. "The team chemistry really sealed the deal for me."

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Laura Erikstrup
   
HIGH SCHOOL

• Served as the basketball varsity captain in 2018-19
• Earned the Sportsmanship Award in the state tournament (2017-18)
• Team finished second in the Metro League and third in the state (2018-19)
• Named Three Rivers League honorable mention (2016-17)
• Named All-Metro second team (2017-18)
• Named All-Metro first team and Team MVP (2018-19)
• Has earned player of the game four times in the state tournament
• Played club with the Clutch Players Red - U17 National Team
• Attended the 2018-19 Danish U18 National Team training camp

PERSONAL

• Daughter of Flemming and Carrie Erikstrup
• Has a twin sister Sydney and a brother Dane.
• Member of the National Honors Society
• Member of the National Charity League - Lake Oswego Chapter
• Hobbies include snow skiing, exploring new places and trying new food.

COACH FISHER ON ERIKSTRUP - "Laura is a highly skilled post player who will be successful inside the paint and out. Her grit and determination make her one of the toughest young post players in the country."
 

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Gabby Giuffre

 
HIGH SCHOOL

• Dual sport athlete in volleyball and basketball
• Team was Central Coast Section runner ups in volleyball (2018)
• Team won 2017 and 2019 Central Coast Section Championship
• Team finished runner-up at the Central Coast Section tournament in 2018.
• Team also made it to the CIF NorCal D-III regional quarterfinals in 2017 and 2018.
• Named SCCAL first-team in 2018-19
• Named SCCAL second-team in 2017-18
• Named SCCAL honorable mention in 2016-17
• Registered 1,000 career points during the 2019 CCS Championship game
• Tied for second for most threes and assists in a single season.
• Attended USA Olympic Team trials (U16) in May 2018.
• Played club with the West Valley Basketball Club.

PERSONAL

• Daughter of Guy and Jessica Giuffre
• Dad played baseball at University of Arkansas-Little Rock and professionally from 1995 until 2002.
• Coached a girls' basketball program for two years
• Organized a beach clean-up in her community
• Participates in local community association to help run local events
• Hobbies include surfing, skateboarding, hiking and listening to music.

 
COACH FISHER ON GIUFFRE - "Gabby is a very versatile guard who can play multiple positions. Her size and strength on the perimeter will make her an incredibly hard matchup for our opponents. She is a very driven young woman who is going to be highly successful at the next level."