EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Bringing a great deal of experience playing at the international and collegiate levels, Madlena Gerke has officially signed with the University of Evansville women's basketball team.  The 5-foot-10 native of Riga, Latvia plays as a shooting guard and small forward. 
 
"Madlena gives us some size and experience on the wing. She is another player that comes from a winning program and knows what it takes for the team to be successful," Purple Aces Head Women's Basketball Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells stated.  "She is a gritty, hard-working athlete and will be great in our press. She can shoot the 3 and get to rim. I believe her best basketball is still ahead of her and we look forward to helping her continue to grow her game!"
 
Gerke joins the UE program with two years of collegiate playing experience.  Last season, she played at Eastern Florida College where her squad posted a 33-2 record on their way to the Region VIII Championship.  Gerke recorded an average of 5.9 points per game while seeing just over 13 minutes of action.  Seeing work in 31 games, she registered 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest.
 
"I chose UE due to the team values as well as education system. UE felt like place I would fit in and call home on and off the court," Gerke exclaimed.  "Coach Robyn's style of the game is where I see myself fitting in and helping the team. I know this place is a place I will grow as a player and an individual. I'm excited to get to work with the girls and work towards our goals."
 
As a college freshman in 2021-22, she played at Florida Southern College where she appeared in 27 games while making two starts.  She was on the floor for 16.4 minutes per game while averaged 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds.
 
Her senior campaign in Latvia saw her record 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest.  Gerke was a 3-time Latvian Regular Championship Most Valuable Player.  She earned another team MVP honor in the "Semionova's Cup", which is an international basketball tournament.  The 2-time All-Star in the Latvian Regular Championship earned 12 All-Star honors in the European Girl Basketball League (EGBL).