The Peacock women's basketball program and Head Coach Micha Thompson have announced their early signees for the 2018-19 school year. Caylin Rufus of Elmhurst, Ill. and Shae Campbell of Norwalk, Iowa have signed their National Letter of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at Upper Iowa.

"We are thrilled to add Caylin and Shae to our family next season," said Thompson. "Both girls continue to add athleticism and skill to our roster in two positions that we will need to fill."

Caylin Rufus, a 6-0 guard from Elmhurst, Ill., enters her senior season at York Community High School. As a junior last season, Rufus was named Honorable Mention All-Area, and entered the season as the DuPage County's Top Dozen Players to Watch. As a sophomore and junior, she was named as the All-Tournament player at the Riversity Brookfield Christmas Tournament, and during her sophomore campaign she was on the all-tournament squad during the Thanksgiving Tournament as well. Rufus was named to the West Suburban Silver All-Conference team and was a Daily Herald All-Area Honorable Mention player as well. Rufus has played all three guard positions, and has done so the all three seasons.

Caylin is the daughter of Cass Rufus and will study athletic training, sports science, and physical therapy at Upper Iowa.

Shae Campbell, a 5-5 point guard from Norwalk, Iowa, enter her final season for the Norwalk Warriors, and has played for three years, earning letters all three seasons. Campbell is a two-time Honorable Mention All-Little Hawkeye Conference player, and has been active on and off the court. She is a multi-sport athlete, earning letters in track & field and softball as well. Campbell has made three appearances to the state track meet, and placed fourth in the long jump along the way. Three times she has been named Academic All-Conference, and in the classroom is a member of the National Honors Society and the National Council on Youth Leadership.

Shae is the daughter of Don and Charity Campbell and will study athletic training at UIU.

"Our staff and team knew right away that both girls were a fit with our culture and chemistry that we have worked hard to develop," added Thompson. "They have supportive and high character families, will bring excellence in the classroom, as well as bring hard work and competitiveness to the basketball floor. It is an exciting time to be a part of our women's basketball program."

The Peacocks opened their season at home in the MIAA/NSIC Tournament this past weekend, and will stay in Dorman Gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 14 as they welcome in the Pride of Clarke University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.