Aussie Lauren Mills finds home at Iowa State

March 4, 2016: Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly talking to his players during a timeout versus Texas Tech at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
March 4, 2016: Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly talking to his players during a timeout versus Texas Tech at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)

On Thursday, the Iowa State women’s basketball program announced the addition of Lauren Mills to their program. Mills is from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and will have four years of eligibility with the Cyclones.

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When asked about the timing of the addition, head coach Bill Fennelly said, “We are excited to add Lauren to the Cyclone women’s basketball family. Getting Lauren here now allows her to get acclimated in all areas of Division I basketball and how we do things at Iowa State.  Adding inside depth is always important at this level and we feel Lauren has a great upside.”

Lauren Mills is not your typical story. The 6’2 Aussie competed at the highest levels in netball in Tasmania. Despite not having many years of basketball experience, the Cyclone staff were drawn to her stature and the competitiveness that she showed. Mills has competed on development teams in her native Australia, representing Tasmania in the U14 through U18 Basketball Championships.

In an recent interview Mills said, “I’m extremely happy and excited to be here in Ames and I cannot wait to start working with the coaching staff and the girls over the next four years”.

Although Mills will be immediately eligible to compete for the Cyclones, she is expected to redshirt the spring semester. When she does make her debut, she will be wearing number 14 for the cardinal and gold.