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After a historic women’s basketball career for Longwood University, senior forward Dayna Rouse is following up her graduation this past May by playing professionally for Herner TC in Herne, Germany.

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to play overseas,” Rouse said. “I’ve been considering the opportunity for a while now and am happy that it worked in my favor. I’m looking forward to applying my skills to a professional league, and I’m excited to experience a completely different culture.

“I’d like to thank my agent for working on my behalf and for finding me this opportunity,” she continued. “I’d also like to thank my family, teammates and coaching staff for always pushing and challenging me to be a better player and leader.”

Rouse’s senior season saw the 6-foot forward finish with career bests, averaging 15 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Lancers while leading the Big South Conference with a .540 (175-of-324) field goal percentage. She added eight double-doubles, including a 27-point, 10-rebound performance against the University of South Carolina Upstate to an incredible senior campaign that landed Rouse an All-Big South selection.

Rouse was just as impactful for Longwood defensively, blocking 59 shots to trail only fellow Lancer Akila Smith on the Big South leaderboard. Rouse etched her name throughout the record books for Longwood, becoming the 22nd player in program history to record 1,000 points, and the only Lancer — male or female — to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 100 blocks in Longwood’s Big South era, as well as the only Lancer in program history to be twice named to the All-Big South team.

“Our program is incredibly excited for Dayna as she begins her professional career in Germany,” Lancers Head Coach Rebecca Tillett said. “Two years ago, she shared one of her biggest dreams with us — to play professionally. She consistently put in extra work to make this a reality.

“Being overseas and experiencing a new culture while playing the game she loves is the experience of a lifetime,” Tillett added. “She was an integral part of our turnaround this season, and we cannot wait to watch her success with Herner TC.”

Rouse will join 2019 German DBBL Champions and Cup winner Herner TC, which sits at 13-8 in league play for the 2020 season, as of this writing.