More News

This year, the Maryland women's basketball team has nine freshmen and sophomores on its roster. One of the freshmen, forward Tianna Hawkins, is from Riverdale Baptist.

"I first saw Tianna play in her ninth-grade year, and her potential was obvious then," said head coach Brenda Frese. "As seasons went on, I repeatedly saw her out-play other prospects that were more highly regarded. She can really get off the floor and shoot the ball. She has a chance to develop into a very good college player."

Hawkins attended National Christian Academy in Fort Washington for two years and then transferred to Riverdale Baptist, where she lettered two years for the Crusaders, was Gatorade State Player of the Year in Maryland in 2008-09, first team all-Met as a senior and most valuable player in 2007 and 2009.

She was also named MVP and most outstanding player on offense of the 2008-2009 National Association for Christian Athletes playoffs, and The Maryland Gazette named her Player of the Year in 2009.

Hawkins, who is now 6'3", said her grandfather encouraged her to become a basketball player when she was a teenager.

Although Hawkins was recruited by Delaware State, George Washington, Virginia, Wake Forest, Seton Hall and Virginia Tech, she said she chose Maryland because the school is close to home and has a very good program.

Hawkins said she loves the current team and that it is a joy to be around players who bring such energy and excitement.

"It's a huge honor," she said of being a Terp. "Not many people have this opportunity. All I have to do now is take advantage of it."

Hawkins said she plans to give her best effort and not to take any opponent lightly.

"My main focus this summer was my ball-handling and strength exercises," she said.

Her only ritual prior to a game is putting her iPod on shuffle, and her favorite athlete is professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony. She enjoys watching movies, horseback riding and spending time with her family, and she is majoring in criminology and criminal justice with plans of becoming an FBI agent.

See you at the games!