Posted: Apr 18, 2013
Pannier was a standout for Cape Central High School before playing at Mineral Area College (Mo.) for the last two campaigns. Last season, the Cape Girardeau, Mo., native shot 43-percent from behind the arc and was second on the team in 3-pointers made with 43. Pannier averaged 7.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 3 rebounds per game for a Cardinals' team that went 21-9 overall. For her efforts, Pannier was an honorable mention All-Midwest Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) selection. In her first season for Mineral Area, she played in 30 games, averaging 4.6 points and 4 rebounds per contest.
Pannier also excels in the classroom, being named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Academic All-American for the 2012-13 season.
"It would be nearly impossible to find a player that fits our system better than Chelsea," Arnold said. "She is a forward with guard skills and a guard with size. Her ability to stretch the floor from the forward position will be extremely valuable, and she brings instant passion and leadership to our group.�
The Pannier family is synonymous with Central Methodist. Chelsea's parents, Darryl and Ellen Pannier, both played basketball for the Eagles, as did her aunt Darla Pannier, one of the finest women's basketball players and most decorated athletes in Central Methodist history. Darla Pannier still holds five school records and was named a first team NAIA All-American in only one season (1988-89) in Fayette before passing away on July 25, 1989, from injuries suffered in a car accident.
Before attending Mineral Area, Pannier was a 4-year starter at Cape Central High School (Mo.). She ranks in the top 15 in school history in scoring with 938 points and averaged 11.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 2010-11. Pannier also shot 74.6 percent from free throw line during her senior season and was named the school's Female Athlete of the Year.
Pannier was a three-time All-Southeast Missouri Conference selection, garnering first-team accolades during her junior and senior seasons. She was twice named to the Southeast Missouri Christmas All-Tournament Team and won the Character Athlete Award for Perry County Schools. In her junior season, Pannier was a Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) All-Star Team selection and first team All-District choice.
"I think Chelsea has a chance to really blow up and have a very special two years here at CMU," Arnold commented. "We are ecstatic she will be joining us."
Pannier also plays AAU basketball for Wolfpack Basketball.
Pannier joins forwards Petra Stankovic and Sammie Jo Copeland and guards Morgan Vetter, Dajonee Hale and Courtney Owens in the 2013 Signing Class.
Central Methodist finished the 2012-13 season 25-8, its best campaign in 13 years. The Eagles are coming off their first appearance in the NAIA Division I National Championship.
