DAYTON – Former University of Dayton women's basketball players JaVonna Layfield and Jenna Burdette recently signed professional contracts to play in Europe.

Layfield signed with Gdessa in Lisbon, Portugal while Burdette joined Towarzystwo Sportowe Ostrovia in Ostrow Wielkopolski, Poland.

"Jenna and Javonna both have made an enormous impact on Dayton Women's Basketball and I could not be more happy for them. They came to UD with the dream and long term goal of playing professional basketball. They worked tirelessly every single day in order to full fill that vision and through the process left their mark on our program forever. I could not be more proud of these two outstanding young women and I know that they will have successful careers."
 
"I believe that we have shown throughout the years that if your goal is to play professional basketball then we have the blueprint to make that dream come true. We have been fortunate to combine elite work ethics within our players with a detailed player development plan in order to progress them as players. We are very proud of all of our players playing professionally right now and of how they all are representing Dayton across the world."
 
Burdette finished her career as the 25^th Flyer to reach the 1,000 point mark after averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game as a senior. She earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named the White Allen MVP, received the RUDY Award, and Second Team Academic All-District. During her junior season, the Coolville, Ohio native won A-10 Tournament Most Outstanding Performer and All-Tournament team accolades while leading Dayton to both the regular season and tournament conference titles, the first ever sweep in program history.
 
 "I am very thankful that I'm able to play basketball beyond college," said Burdette. "Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine and it couldn't have been possible without the help and guidance of my past coaches. I am very excited for this new journey."

Layfield finished a four-year career with the Flyers as one of the top rebounders in the nation. The 5-11 forward ranked fourth in the country in rebounds per game, set the single season mark at UD with 378, and posted 19 double-doubles on the year, including multiple 20-rebound outings. The Louisville native was named Second Team All-Conference, won the Defend, Rebound, and Run Award at the team banquet, and was MVP and All-Tournament team at the Maine Tip-Off Tournament.

"This opportunity is one of of life time and a dream come true," Layfield added. "It's a blessing and I am excited to see the world and how much further this ball will take me in life."

For more information, check back at DaytonFlyers.com.