The Maryland women?s basketball team?s freshman class includes just one player this season, but there will still be a number of new faces taking the court for the defending national champions this season.
Sophomore Christie Marrone and junior Sa?de Wiley-Gatewood, both guards, are both expected to provide vital depth in Maryland?s backcourt after sitting out for a year following their transfers from other schools. Marrone is available at the start of the season after transferring last year from Virginia Tech. Wiley-Gatewood will be available in December after coming to College Park from Tennessee.
Maryland head coach Brenda Frese, who expects both players to play an immediate role, is excited about the possibilities of what they can add to an already talented and deep roster.
“[Marrone] is a tremendous 3-point shooter from the guard position,” Frese said. “She?ll really help spread the floor for us with the way she can shoot the ball. [Wiley-Gatewood] has had tremendous practices for us and will really aid in keeping us up-tempo and helping us in the guard position.”
Marrone, who has practiced at Maryland for more than a year, said it should be challenging for her to get back into game action, especially in the ACC.
“I bring leadership to the team as a point guard,” the 5-foot-6 Marrone said. “I have to be heard out there on the floor. My 3-point shooting is a part of my game, but my main goal is to make my teammates better. I just want to win. That?s why I?m here.”
Wiley-Gatewood comes to Maryland with a wealth of experience. She played in 22 games over two seasons for Tennessee, including 13 during the 2004-05 season when the Lady Vols reached the Final Four.
“I?m working hard in practice until I get back on the court,” the 5-foot-9 Wiley-Gatewood said. “I just can?t wait to get back out there, help make the team better and win another national championship.”
TERPS TRANSFERS
» Christie Marrone, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, has three years of eligibility remaining. She averaged 4.3 points and 1.5 assists in 29 games at Virginia Tech in the 2004-05 season.
» Sa?de Wiley-Gatewood, a Pomona, Calif. native, has a year and a half of eligibility remaining. She averaged 5.6 points per game and had a .339 three-point shooting percentage at Tennessee.
