MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University's head women's basketball coach Troy Mattson announces the addition of Nea Makela to join the Wildcats for the 2012-13 season.

Makela is a 6 foot, 2 inch forward from Tampere, Finland.  She averaged 18.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Makela was voted the MVP of the Women's U19 League by the Finnish Basketball Association and previously was a member of the Women's U18 National Team.

"Nea has size and is another extremely athletic forward that we have added to our front line,” Mattson said. “She has the ability to shoot from NBA range and has an incredible understanding of how to make plays. Nea will be a welcome addition to our team and we look forward to her abilities helping our team next season."

The Wildcats open the season on Oct. 28, hosting Madonna University at the Berry Events Center. The full 2012-13 schedule is now online at: http://www.nmu.edu/womensbasketball

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