MOBILE, Ala.  – Former South Alabama women's basketball player Chyna Ellis has signed a professional contract with ŽKK Buducnost Bemax of the Women Adriatic Basketball Association. ŽKK Buducnost Bemax is located in Podgorica, Montenegro.
 
"I worked hard to get where I am and the fact that my dreams are coming true is nothing short of a blessing," Ellis said. "I've overcome obstacles and almost gave up my dream, so I'm really excited to continue playing."
 
In her four years in a South Alabama uniform, Ellis averaged 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while starting in 116 of 122 contests. Ellis amassed 338 blocks to become the all-time block leader in program and Sun Belt history. With her 1,247 points, she is only the 19th Jag to reach the 1,000-point plateau in program history. Ellis' 985 career rebounds are third most in program history and on Jan. 18, 2018, she became just fourth player to play for South Alabama women's basketball to record a triple-double with 12 points, 10 boards and 10 rejections in a home victory over Coastal Carolina.
 
Ellis led the Jaguars with 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game during her senior season en route to a semifinal berth in the Women's Basketball Invitational, South's first postseason appearance in over a decade. The senior center also earned Sun Belt first-team all-conference and was named the 2017-18 Sun Belt defensive player of the year, her second such honor.
 
Ellis a little nervous about the transition, but is excited to make her dream come true.
 
"They don't speak English. it's not even there second or third language and that will be tough to adapt to," Ellis said. "I'm bringing my daughter, Londyn, with me. Her safety is my biggest concern, especially with her going to a foreign school and when I have to leave the country for games, but I believe everything will work out for the best."
 
Join the Hardwood Club, the women's basketball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All gifts to the Hardwood Club go directly to support the South Alabama women's basketball program. For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/hardwoodclub.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the South Circle, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics. Contributions to South Circle directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/give
 
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