Ireland Luiten makes rosters of Gonzaga

ODESSA – Ireland Luiten, a 2020 Odessa High School graduate, has begun attending Gonzaga University in Spokane, and her parents, Greg and Kellie Luiten of Odessa, have reported that she has become a very busy person right at the outset. An avid dancer for most of her young life, Ireland tried out for the Dance Team that accompanies men's and women's basketball teams to some of their games, as well as some women's volleyball teams. The dance team performs routines during half times and breaks in the games.

While she was trying out for the dance team, the new assistant coach at Gonzaga for women's rowing was scanning the students engaged in athletic tryouts for potential rowers to recruit. Based on Ireland's fitness, body type and strength, he recruited her to also try out for the rowing team. She did and is now a member of both the rowing and dance teams.

For now, both teams are having regular practices, but no competitions have yet been scheduled.

Ireland is attending Gonzaga on an academic scholarship, where she is also pursuing a double academic major.