Cassie Kerns was somewhat torn.

And, get this. It was between the University of Connecticut and Notre Dame women’s basketball programs. Those are two mighty programs to be torn over.

In the end, Kerns, a 6-foot-3 Valparaiso High School senior, couldn’t pass up an opportunity to play at UConn and for the three-time defending NCAA national champion Huskies.

Kerns verbally committed to UConn on Thursday.

“Well, for the past couple days, I’ve been thinking real hard,” Kerns said. “My dream was to always go to Notre Dame.

“But UConn is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Those past couple days have been a whirlwind for Kerns. On Tuesday, UConn and coach Geno Auriemma offered Kerns a scholarship. Then Notre Dame came back on Wednesday and offered.

“The first time Coach Auriemma called, I thought, 'Yeah, you’ll never be calling me again,’ ” Kerns said. “But we connected so well.”

Kerns said Tennessee, another dominant women’s program, entered into the picture but was never a serious consideration of hers.

Kerns averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds last season in earning Post-Tribune Player of the Year honors.

Tom Wyatt can be reached at 648-3140 or by e-mail at twyatt@post-trib.com.