WASHINGTON – Former Georgetown women's basketball standout Cynthia Petke began her professional career earlier this month.  Petke signed a professional contract with La Roche Vendee Basket Club (RVBC) based in the city of La Roche-sur-Yon.  RVBC plays in Ligue 1 which is the first division of the championship of France.
 
"Basketball has changed my life," said Petke.  "Because of basketball I received a degree from one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, and now I am playing professionally in one of the top leagues in Europe. Those are things I dreamed of when I was a kid, and I'm so fortunate to be able to experience this now.  Signing my first professional contract was definitely a reward for the hard work I've been putting over the years and a motivation to work even harder. It made me realize that you can do whatever you put your mind to.   I hope my experience will inspire the younger ones because I want to be a role model to them and help them the best I can to achieve whatever goal they have in mind."
 
The team has had success in Ligue 2, finishing second in the standings in 2015 and 2016 as well as winning the league in 2017.  Last season was its first in Ligue 1.
 
Petke had an outstanding two seasons on the Hilltop after transferring from Chipola College.  Last season, she was GU's second-leading scorer averaging 14.3 ppg as well as 10.2 rpg. She managed 19 double-doubles on the season ranking her ninth in the country and was second in the BIG EAST in rebounding. Petke was the BIG EAST Most Improved Player, an Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST selection and named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team.
 
The forward is among the all-time program leaders in career rebounds (521) as well as points in a season (458).  Her 327 rebounds made her third in program history in season boards as she made a lasting impression in just two short years. 
 
Petke, a native of Yaounde, Cameroon, is among three active former Hoyas in the professional ranks.  Rebekkah Brunson and Sugar Rodgers both play in the WNBA.  Petke graduated in May with a degree in economics from Georgetown College. 
 
The women's basketball team will open the season Nov. 6 at Richmond before hosting Maryland-Eastern Shore on Nov. 9 at McDonough Arena.  Season tickets and partial season plans are now available at WeAreGeorgetown.com/tickets.