RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team may have just started its 2019-20 campaign, but the Hardrockers are already looking to solidify next year's roster with the signing of new recruit Bailey Johnson to the program.

Johnson is a 5-foot-7-inch guard from Rapid City, South Dakota, who will be transferring in as a junior from Casper College in Wyoming. She played her high school hoops at Rapid City Central.

"We are thrilled to have Bailey coming back 'home' and joining our Hardrocker family as our first signee. She comes from a fantastic family here in Rapid City and has multiple Hardrocker connections," said Hardrocker women's basketball head coach Jeri Jacobson.

"She is a tireless worker and a person of extremely high character—the epitome of who we want to continue to bring into our program," Jacobson added. "Bailey also brings a wealth of experience and maturity which will help her make an immediate impact. She has had a very successful career at Casper College the last two years with Coach Dwight Gunnare. They are off to a 7-1 start this season in large part to Bailey's efforts."

As a RCC Cobbler, Johnson earn a number of accolades, which including: team captain; Academic All-State; team MVP, five-year letter winner in track; three-year letter winner in basketball; and a two- year letter winner in volleyball.

"Bailey is one of those players who can do it all—she is a very smart defender, always in the right place and she can score the ball. If you remember her high school days at Rapid City Central—you know she can shoot," Jacobson said "To have an all-around person, student and player like Bailey joining our program is extremely exciting for us. The Hardrockers got better today with the addition of Bailey."

While attending South Dakota Mines, Johnson plans to pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering.

I'm so excited to be able to follow in the footsteps of my dad, grandpa, brother Bryce, and two uncles," Johnson said of attending South Dakota Mines. "I'm so excited to be able to play in my home town for my friends and family again."