BUIES CREEK, N.C.—Campbell University women's basketball coach Wanda Watkins announced the signing of Whitney Ferguson to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Lady Camels beginning with the 2007-08 season.

Ferguson is the first Campbell signee during the early signing period. The 5-foot-11 post player preps at Eastern Randolph High School in Ramseur, N.C. where the Lady Camels' Maggie Rich's father, Curtis Rich, is an assistant coach. Maggie Rich played for Eastern Randolph head coach Jim Young at Salisbury High School.

"Whitney will be a nice addition to our team next year, Watkins said. "She comes from an outstanding program at Eastern Randolph and Coach Young does an outstanding job in preparing his players for college. Whitney will bring some versatility to the program as she has the size, strength and skills to play inside and yet she can step out and play on the perimeter as well. She has good range and can play with her back to the basket with power inside. She will be a strong rebounder for us as well."

Ferguson averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals a game last season for the Wildcats as they went 25-2 winning both the conference and section championships. She was named Honorable Mention All-Conference for her work as a junior shooting 70 percent from the free throw line and amassing over 800 rebounds in her career. Her sophomore campaign, Eastern Randolph finished second in the conference with a 22-5 record.

Ferguson also plays volleyball and competes on the track team for the Wildcats.

"I think we've gotten a sleeper in Whitney and believe she will continue to excel and get better," Watkins said. "She is a good student-athlete also and will fit well here at Campbell with our team and community. We look forward to having her and her family as part of our Campbell University family next fall."

The Lady Camels open the 2006-07 season Saturday afternoon at 4:30 pm at Elon.