Western Carolina women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper has announced that Caitlin Hollifield (Knoxville, Tenn.) has transferred to Western Carolina from the University of Alabama. As per NCAA regulations, she is not eligible to compete though until after final exams next fall, which conclude mid December, but she has joined in all team practices and meetings. “Caitlin will be a very solid player for our program, I think she will bring some real physicality to our team,” Harper said. “Having that year of experience under her belt is really going to be an asset for us, she has the experience of big games under her belt, and understands what is expected of her at this level.” Hollifield, a 6-1 forward, played one season at Alabama seeing action in 21 games and starting 14 for the Crimson Tide before taking a medical redshirt her sophomore year. She will have three and a half years at Western Carolina. “When I came on my visit, it was such a great atmosphere and I really loved the players and the coaches and that is what sold me on Western Carolina,” Hollifield said. “The Southern Conference is a great league and I think I will be able to fit in with the players and really help the team next season.” In her freshman campaign at Alabama, Hollifield averaged 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. Her best performance came on January 5, 2008 against Southeastern Louisiana when she went 4-of-10 from the field scoring 10 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Hollifield comes from Powell High School where she led the club to three state tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth in her freshman and sophomore seasons. She was a four-time Street & Smith honorable mention honoree and three-time Tennessee All-State Tournament selection.