Another Filipino is set to make waves in the States.
Filipino-American point guard Ella Fajardo has committed to Division I school Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The 17-year-old floor general announced her decision on Facebook.
“I’m coming home to the next chapter of my academic and athletic journey at Fairleigh Dickinson University,” read Fajardo’s post.
“It has been my dream to get a quality college education and be able to play at the Division 1 level!”
Standing at just 5-foot-6 with shoes, Fajardo had to compete against giants during her secondary school career in Gill St. Bernard’s.
Despite that, Fajardo wound up with averages of 13.35 points, 2.85 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.42 steals per game in her senior year. This includes a 28-point explosion against Hillsborough last December 20.
“My story has not been easy and I am working hard everyday to prove myself over and over and to earn every victory and success that come my way,” she continued.
Fajardo is also part of Patrick Aquino’s Gilas program.
The New Jersey-resident donned the national team colors twice, playing in the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup and Under-18 Asia Cup.
Together with Camille Clarin, Angel Surada, and Karl Ann Pingol, they lifted the Philippines to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Sustaining that momentum, Fajardo, Clarin, Surada, and Kristine Cayabyab won bronze in the Asia Cup.
One of the schools that actively recruited Fajardo was National University.
Last season, the Knights finished with a 9-9 record in the Northeast Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, 12-17 overall.
The team is coached by Melissa Brooks.
