Kepenekian Signs Pro Contract with Armenia?s Hatis Yerevan

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Former CSU Bakersfield women's basketball standout Christine Kepenekian has signed a contract with Hatis Yerevan, the top women's pro basketball team in Armenia. Kepenekian, who played for Armenia in the 2010 European Championship Women's Division C where she earned tournament MVP honors, will be reunited with Amenia's national team coach Gia Kazanjian, who also heads Hatis Yerevan.

“Having previously coached Christine with the Armenia national team, I know firsthand that she will strengthen Hatis Yerevan in the upcoming EuroCup,” says Kazanjian. “We are eager for her return to Armenia in September.”

Hatis Yerevan Director of International Scouting Carl Bardakian was also impressed with Kepenekian's performance at the European Championships.

“Christine's outstanding performance in the FIBA European Div. C championship in June created much excitement in Armenia and the Diaspora,” adds Bardakian. “I look forward to Christine having continued success with Hatis Yerevan.”

Kepenekian led all Division C players with 22.0 points and was fourth with 4.4 assists during the tournament. Armenia took second overall behind Malta. The championship game drew a record 1,900 people.

While in a Roadrunner uniform, Kepenekian overcame injuries early in her career to become one of CSUB's all–time great players. She holds 16 top 10 career program records and nine top 10 individual season records. She is No. 2 on the Roadrunners' all–time leading rebounder lists (569) and is one of just six players to surpass 1,000 career points (1,035).

“We felt Christine would help any program, not just with her basketball skills but also what she brings in terms of work ethic and enthusiasm,” comments CSU Bakersfield Head Coach Tim La Kose. “She worked hard and we are very happy she achieved her goal. This is a great day for her and for the entire Roadrunner basketball family.”

Kepenekian leaves for Armenia on Sept. 7 and begins training camp on Sept. 10. Hatis Yerevan will be playing in the 38 team EuroCup starting on Oct. 28. Kepenekian becomes the second CSUB player to sign a pro contract. Alum Jessi Loring was CSUB's first pro signee. In all, La Kose has had seven players sign pro contracts including five while he was at Cal Lutheran.

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Players Mentioned

#23 Christine Kepenekian: G; 5' 7"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#23 Christine Kepenekian
: 5' 7"; Senior
: G

Players Mentioned

#23 Christine Kepenekian

Players Mentioned

#23 Christine Kepenekian