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CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Head women’s basketball coach Jill DeVries announced that Willmar (Minn.) native Courtney Magnuson has signed a letter of intent to attend Valley City State University (N.D.) and play basketball for the Vikings in 2015-16. 

 A 5-foot-6 guard from Willmar High School, Magnuson signed her letter of intent with VCSU on Thursday. She is entering her senior season at Willmar.

“We are excited to have Courtney join our Viking women’s basketball program,” said DeVries. “Her toughness and versatility as a combo guard is what makes her a special player. We anticipate that she will be able to score multiple ways, finishing with contact as well as hitting 3’s.”

Magnuson is a 3-year starter for Willmar and was named All-Central Lakes Conference and Team MVP last year in her junior season. Magnuson averaged 12.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists per game last year. She shot 34 percent from the 3-point line and 41 percent overall from the field. 

Outside of high school, Magnuson played AAU basketball with the Minnesota Comets. She plans to major in math while at VCSU. 

“Courtney is a fantastic student, and fits the culture of VCSU women’s basketball,” said DeVries. “She really understands what it takes to be her best on and off the court. Her basketball IQ makes her a tremendous passer and defender as well.” 

Courtney is the daughter of Ross and Kelli Magnuson. She is the first signed member of the VCSU women’s basketball 2015-16 recruiting class. 

Valley City State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a conference member of the North Star Athletic Association. The Vikings finished last season 13-12 and took third in the conference. With DeVries as head coach, VCSU qualified for three straight NAIA national tournaments from 2011-2013.