Fajardo joins US NCAA program

MANILA, Philippines – Add Gilas Pilipinas women standout Ella Patrice Fajardo to the growing list of Filipino achievers overseas.

The 17-year-old high school stalwart from Gill St. Bernard in New Jersey has committed to the US NCAA Division I program of Fairleigh Dickinson University, according to her social media post over the weekend.

“I’m coming home to the next chapter of my academic and athletic journey at Fairleigh Dickinson University,” she said after norming 13.35 points, 2.85 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.42 steals for St. Bernard on her final year.

“It has been my dream to get  quality college education and be able to play at the Division 1 level!”

The witty 5-foot-6 court general, whose mother hails from Bacolod, will play a key role in the Knights offense next season.

Along with Camille Clarin, Angel Surada and Karl Ann Pingol,  Fajardo last year steered the Gilas 3x3 squad to a Top 8 finish in the prestigious FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup in Mongolia.