Yakima Herald-Republic file photo Andrea Blodgett, YVCC basketball Links   E-mail             Print            Advertisement

YAKIMA -- Height has always been a fact but rarely a factor for Andrea Blodgett.

So it came as no real surprise when Blodgett, listed at 5-foot-4 on the Yakima Valley Community College women's basketball roster, explained her decision to pursue a career in early childhood education by saying, "kindergarten and first graders are pretty much the only kids I'm going to be taller than."

Maybe so. But from a figurative standpoint there are plenty of other athletes the White Swan graduate can look down on since she'll continue her hoops competition at Idaho State.

Blodgett said Thursday night that she will soon sign a letter of intent with the Bengals of the Big Sky Conference, making her the third YVCC athlete this spring to advance to Division I-AA.

Anthony Johnson and Shaunte Nance-Johnson earlier announced their intentions to play for the University of Montana.

"I haven't signed yet because there are parts of the letter that my parents have to sign, too," Blodgett said. "But we'll be doing that really soon."

Idaho State was the last school Blodgett visited, and prior to scouting the Pocatello campus she had been considering Central Washington and Eastern Oregon.

And even though the Bengals are currently without a coach -- Jon Newlee left last month for the University of Idaho after six years at ISU -- Blodgett became convinced of her next move.

"Their team is great," she said. "All the girls there were really supportive, and they'd decided even after their coach left that they were all going to stay and be there for each other. They were so nice and helpful and genuine about everything.

"And that's pretty much how everyone on their campus was, from the academic advisor on down the line. Everyone was helpful and willing to go the extra mile."

At YVCC, Blodgett had been a two-year standout, earning All-Eastern Region and All-NWAACC acclaim each season. The Yaks went 55-10 during that span and reached the NWAACC Tournament both years where they finished third in 2007 and fourth last season.

They also lost only one home game during her tenure.

"Andrea really fits the style they play at Idaho State," Yakima Valley coach Cody Butler said. "They average something like 74 points a game and they like somebody who can push the ball up the floor. Andrea can definitely do that for them."