Posted: Jun 17, 2016

Gutierrez and Mejia Off to NAIA Programs

Sophomores Elsie Mejia (left) and Natalie Gutierrez (right) sign their scholarship offers with Head Coach Linnae Barber Matthews (center).

Glendora, CA - Citrus College sophomores Natalie Gutierrez and Elsie Mejia became the fourth and fifth Citrus College Women's Basketball players to sign scholarship offers recently. Both student-athletes are heading to four-year colleges, with Gutierrez inking with Bacone College (OK) and Mejia signing with La Sierra University (Riverside, CA). Both student-athletes were transfers to Citrus after their freshman campaigns, and both helped play a key role in Citrus earning their first post-season berth since 2009.

Gutierrez appeared in 27 games for the Owls, including 25 starts during the 2015-2016 season. In that time, Gutierrez averaged 9.3 points (the second highest mark on the team), 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Gutierrez shot 34.5% from three, and played an average of 24.4 minutes per game and was a 1st team All-WSC South selection.

"Bacone is giving me a chance for a different experience. Basketball is giving me the chance to experience a new state and a new way of life, and it's helping pay for my education," Gutierrez said. "Citrus has played a huge role in this transition. I transferred here so that I could get a scholarship, and that's exactly what happened. It brought coaches into my life that really cared, and it's helped me grow as a player."

"After watching her play last season, and getting the chance to see her change this season, it's easy to see that she has grown to be an all-around player. Her passion for the game is something I will miss because she did everything we asked whether it was, playing multiple positions for us," said Citrus College Head Women's Basketball Coach Linnae Barber Matthews. "Bacone University is definitely going to feel the passion that Natalie has for the game. She will bring out the best in people around her, and it will shine on and off the court."

Mejia meanwhile appeared in 28 games for the Owls with 22 starts, averaging 5.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.6 boards, and 1.3 steals per game. Mejia also shot 37.1% from deep and 78.6% from the charity stripe.

"La Sierra provides me with the best opportunity to get my degree and to still keep playing basketball. I liked that it's close to home, and the environment with the team and the coaching staff gave me a good vibe," Mejia said. "Citrus has played a big role in this process. It's helped me mature on and off the court. It's taught me that if you really want something you need to go and get it no matter the circumstances."

"Elsie has faced a lot of adversity since she tore her ACL before the 2014-2015 season. What makes her special is her will and fight to never give up. She has earn this scholarship to La Sierra," Barber Matthews said. "She is going to bring a spark to their program and will make everyone else around her better. She is a true point guard that can play on both ends of the floor. Elsie had a great year for us and now she will be able to take her game to another level for the next two years."