Simmons College basketball standout Lauren Kreckie has been invited by USA Athletes International to compete in Barbados for the Bajan Friendship Tour from June 21 to June 28. 

"Lauren is very deserving of this opportunity, she's a classic example of someone who fell under the radar for so many years, and when given the chance to show what she could really do, she capitalized on it. She has worked hard to improve in all phases of her game and become a tremendous player and leader for the Sharks program." said Head Basketball Coach Tony Price.

Kreckie will be coached by Bill Wilson of Brevard College.  While on the trip Kreckie will visit many of the island's sites such as Harrison's Cave, the Morgan Lewis Windmill, The Plantation Theatre and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.  In addition to competing on the international level, Kreckie will get an opportunity to teach basketball at a clinic for Barbadian children.  

"The chance for Lauren to play against international competition is great and it will only benefit the program next season. This is something she will remember for the rest of her life and Simmons could not have chosen a better Ambassador for the school and team." said Price.

Kreckie, a 5-9 guard/forward from Braintree, Mass. was an All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference third-team selection last season and twice earned Great Northeast Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll accolades.  She averaged 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.72 steals and 2.0 assists per game.