An Independence Community College women's basketball star is off to Division 1.

 

Guard Serenity Echols will continue her career at Mississippi Valley State University, after being a key piece of the Pirates over the past two seasons.

 

Former ICC head coach Rob Beckmann says he had a hometown connection with Echols.

 

Echols started in 52 of her 53 career games with the Pirates, and improved in nearly ever area of her game in her sophomore season, with her scoring, rebounding, and efficiency all improving.

 

Beckmann says, however, her leadership may have been what improved the most.

 

Echols had interest from multiple programs at the D1 level, including additional programs at the D2 level. Beckmann says she brings special intangibles to a team that can't be coached.

 

Echols joins teammate Sabrina Larsson as Pirates to move to Division 1 this offseason.