US college assist queen joins Toowoomba Mountaineers squad

A college basketball star who led every division in assists per game has swapped St Louis Missouri for Queensland. Find out where she has landed here.

New Toowoomba Mountaineers import Gracie Stugart.

One week ago Gracie Stugart played her last game for Maryville University in the US.

The 21-year-old has had little time to think about that milestone moment, a four point conference championship loss to Quincy University in St Louis, Missouri, with Stugart landing in Australia on Wednesday morning ready for a stint with the Toowoomba Mountaineers.

“I’m very excited. The quick turnaround coming off a very long season I’m used to playing lots of games,” Stugart said.

“It’ll be nice to hope right back into playing again.

“I’m super excited to meet the team and hit the ground running in round 1.”

Stugart started looking at overseas opportunities halfway through her final year of college basketball.

Interest initially came from Europe before Stugart jumped at an offer from the Mountaineers.

“Some European agents reached out but I didn’t feel the desire to play in Europe,” she said.

“I thought maybe it’s time to hang up my shoes but about three weeks ago coach Matt (Cox) reached and I thought all right I’m doing this.”

New Toowoomba Mountaineers import Gracie Stugart.

Stugart will be dropped straight in to the ‘QSL fire’ starting at point guard in the Mountaineers season opener against Sunshine Coast Phoenix.

Despite her young age Stugart brings a wealth of experience and proven credentials as a point guard and team leader.

In her final year of college basketball she finished as the season’s leading assist-maker - topping every division.

“Growing up I’ve always been a pass first point guard, always looking to find my teammates,” she said.

“Going into my senior year of college I was thought I really need to step up in a lot big ways, not just scoring or rebounds.

“One of my goals was to lead the nation in assists, I wrote that down at the start of the year, and ended up leading the nation with 7.5 assists a game.

“I’m hoping to carry that on for the Mountaineers.”

Stugart’s natural game and skills are exactly what the Mountaineers have needed in the past with the team often unable to get the ball to opener shooters.

Her eagerness to be a leader on and off the court will also help the Mountaineers program.

“I’ve always tried to be a leader - my whole,” Stugart said.

“Lead by example and be a vocal leader as well.

“I pride myself on wanting to be the hardest worker at all times and I hope others will feed off that.

“My other goal is to use my strengths to benefit others, how can I help them be better and naturally I’m just very competitive.

“All four years in college I was a leader and I’m excited to step into that role here and do everything I can for this team.”