IRVINE, Calif. – For the second time in two years, a Concordia University Irvine women's basketball alum has signed a pro contract to play overseas in Europe!

Brea native Jasmine Rachal has agreed to a deal with Dieppe Basket 76 to play professionally in France.  

"It's been a dream of mine since I was six years old," explained Rachal. "I knew that I wanted to play college basketball and be a professional basketball player. I'm super thankful, excited and definitely anxious and I feel like I'm going into really good hands."

Rachal was Concordia's leading scorer this past season, averaging 16.6 points while starting all 28 games and leading the team in assists.  She shot 46 percent from the field, 36 percent on three-pointers and a league-best 87 percent on free throws in her final season competing in the PacWest Conference.

"I owe everything to Concordia and Coach Collins was the first person that took a chance on me," said Rachal.  "I'm so grateful for everything she's done for me as a student, as an athlete and just as a woman. I feel more than prepared to go somewhere that I've never been."

"Since the first time I saw Jasmine play in a Concordia University Irvine jersey, I knew that whatever her heart's desire was for the future of her career, she would have no trouble attaining it," said CUI head women's basketball coach Christine Collins-Kiernan.  "Jasmine has been fearless in everything I have asked of her.  I have told her that from day one she had to score, defend, and lead at a very high level and she exceeded all of my demands.  She is ready for this next step in her career, she has built so many life and basketball skills, and has learned to pave a way for herself.  I am so excited for Jasmine and so grateful for the legacy she has left here!"

Rachal's former CUI teammate and current workout partner Michaela VanderKlugt played in Marburg, Germany last year and is planning to return for a second pro season this fall to the same team - BC Pharmaserv Marburg (aka the Blue Dolphins).

The pair actually have the same agent - Lauren Neaves of GAgency - and that's how both their unique opportunities have come about. It's been a whirlwind of emotions for Rachal, who was open-minded about playing overseas and waiting for the right fit to present it itself.  Both her and VanderKlugt have overcome injuries and rewritten the Concordia record books while helping rack up wins and awards during their time in Irvine.

"I think it speaks volumes to our program and the dedication we put in," added Rachal. "We put our bodies on the line and it's really paid off for both of us. I'm super excited because (Michaela) is one of my best friends and knowing she is going to be a country away is a lot of reassurance for me.  I'm super proud of both of us for sticking it out and we've had our fair share of setbacks but we haven't let that stop us and that's a testament to Concordia women's basketball."

Rachal joined VanderKlugt as the second player in CUI women's basketball history to score 1,000 points in the NCAA DII era and finished fifth all-time in career points. Former teammate Katie Timmerman later became the third to reach that esteemed milestone.

Rachal earned an undergraduate degree from CUI in healthcare management and a minor in pre-nursing and psychology.  She is currently completing her master's in coaching and athletic administration (MCAA program) at CUI and working out in Glendora over the summer.

Rachal was also recently named Concordia Co-Female Athlete of the Year at the 2023 Senior Legacy Banquet.

CLICK HERE to read more about the 2023 Senior Award Winners

The Brea Olinda High School alum was part of a historic Concordia squad this past season who earned two wins at the PacWest Conference Championships. CUI advanced to the Tournament Championship Game for the first time in program history.

Rachal scored a game-high 20 points in the quarterfinal win over Hawai'i Pacific and 18 points in the semifinal win over Dominican to help propel the Golden Eagles in to the history books.

The First Team All-PacWest Conference selection plans to join her new team in August in preparation for the upcoming season over in France. 

CLICK HERE to follow Jasmine's new team on Instagram