Pitt women’s basketball adds Canadian star Sandrine Clesca

Lance White made a late addition to the Pitt women’s basketball team’s 2020 recruiting class on Friday afternoon, as Sandrine Clesca, a Canadian point guard who finished her high school career at Winston-Salem Christian School in North Carolina, announced her commitment to the program.

The 5’9” recruit originally hails from Saint-Laurent, Quebec, and holds a four-star rating from Crown Scout, a recruiting website that evaluates high school basketball prospects in Canada. Crown Scout also ranks Clesca No. 5 overall in the 2021 class out of Canada as well as No. 1 among Canadian point guards.

“The addition of Sandrine is one that we are extremely excited about,” White said in a statement. “She is one of the top players to come out of Canada this year, and we think Sandrine can grow into a really special player. She is an athletic point guard who has an ability to not only score and attack the rim, but also understands how to create for others.”

Last season, Clesca helped Winston-Salem to a 28-2 record as well as a No. 1 ranking in North Carolina. The team was also ranked No. 25 in the nation. Prior to her senior year, Clesca earned team MVP honors twice and RSEQ League MVP honors once while playing with her Saint-Laurent team in Quebec. She also led her team to a league title as a freshman.

Clesca will complete an impressive 2020 recruiting class for White, who also landed New Mexico transfer Jayla Everett, three-star Quebec native Taisha Exanor, four-star forward Tracey Hueston, three-star D.C. guard Liatu King and Marquette transfer Destiny Strother.