STATESBORO - Georgia Southern women's basketball forward Nikki McDonald has inked a contract to play professionally overseas, joining Phoenix Stiinta in Romania. The graduate transfer will report to the league on September 1.

McDonald played the 2019-20 season for Georgia Southern as a grad transfer from Louisiana Tech. She played in all 30 games for the Eagles, averaging 8.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. She reached double figures in 12 games and had four double-doubles, including three straight from Feb. 27-March 7, the first Eagle to notch three straight double-doubles in at least 25 years. McDonald collected a career-high 26 points in the Eagles' overtime loss at Ole Miss on Dec. 16 and also had 20 points and a season-high 16 rebounds at Texas State on Feb. 27.

"I am super excited to continue my basketball career at the professional level," McDonald said. "I want to thank God, my family, friends, coaches, and teammates who have pushed me to get to this point in my life. This has always been a dream of mine so I am eager to get started. I can't wait to experience the culture and lifestyle in Romania!"

McDonald becomes the first Eagle under the tutelage of Georgia Southern Head Women's Basketball Coach Anita Howard to ink a professional contract. 

"I'm extremely proud of Nikki for getting to fulfill her dream of playing pro basketball," Coach Howard said. "I was honored she chose Georgia Southern to finish her grad year and play for me. Eagle Nation was able to witness her hard work on the court and now she'll take that show on the road!"