Frantzcesca Vardman may not be the biggest or tallest girl on the basketball court, but her feisty and aggressive play on the defensive end combined with her slashing and 3-point shooting abilities on offense made her a key piece of the Lady Hubs varsity team this past season.

Vardman played four years of basketball at Rochelle Township High School including three seasons at the varsity level. The 5-foot-3-inch guard was part of Rochelle’s Signing Day Ceremony earlier this month, when she signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her basketball career at Kishwaukee College while studying graphic design.

Vardman will reunite with Lady Hub graduate Morgan Baker, who also signed with the Lady Kougars. Kishwaukee played three RTHS alums during the 2017-18 season including Ashley Kerns, Abby Kerns and Nancy Torres.

“I chose Kishwaukee because it’s a good way for me to save some money and I can play competitive basketball again,” Vardman said. “I’m excited for the faster style of play, and I’ve either played with or against some of the girls on the team so I think that will help me adjust a bit easier.”

Vardman competed with the Lady Hubs track and field program for four years, earning four trips to the IHSA State Championships in the 1600-meter relay while qualifying for state in the 400-meter and 800-meter relays twice. The Rochelle graduate began playing basketball in fifth grade, and her motivation for playing stemmed from facing her brothers in street ball games as a kid.

“I wanted to play because I used to play street ball with my brothers and their friends,” Vardman said. “I had no idea about organized basketball. I love being aggressive with the other team and it’s fun to mess with them sometimes… There are a lot of people who support me and help me get better.”