Philadelphia - Senior forward Gabriela Marginean has been named one of the top women's basketball players in the 25-year history of the Colonial Athletic Association. Marginean takes her place among a pantheon of CAA women's basketball stars that includes Ticha Penichiero, Pam Bryant, Celeste Hill and recent WNBA draftees Quanitra Hollingsworth, Tyresa Smith and Tamera Young. The team includes 17 former Players of the Year, 10 All-America selections and nine WNBA draft picks. Marginean is the only active women's basketball player on the Silver Anniversary Team.
Marginean was the 2009 CAA Player of the Year and Tournament Most Outstanding Player. In addition to earning four WBCA Honorable Mention National Player of the Month Honors last year, she helped to make a name for herself on the national stage by leading Drexel to its first ever CAA Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The three-time All-CAA selection enters this season as a preseason candidate for the John R. Wooden Award, an honor bestowed upon the best player in the nation.
Entering her senior season this year, Marginean already holds CAA records for most points and free throws in a season. She ranks fourth on the career scoring list all-time and is in line to became the league's top scorer of all-time this season. She is just 146 points shy of becoming only the third player in CAA history to reach the 2,000-point mark.
As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2009-10, the CAA is recognizing Silver Anniversary teams in 21 championship sports. The teams are selected by a panel of current and former head coaches in the conference.
Members of the CAA Silver Anniversary team for women’s basketball are:
Meredith Alexis (James Madison), Mery Andrade (Old Dominion), Kristine Austgulen (VCU), Sydney Beasley (James Madison), Lucienne Berthieu (Old Dominion), Sylvia Bragg (East Carolina), Pam Bryant (Richmond), Monique Coker (Old Dominion), Natalie Diaz (Old Dominion), Shareese Grant (Old Dominion), Tonya Hargrove (East Carolina), Alisa Harris (James Madison), Celeste Hill (Old Dominion), Quanitra Hollingsworth (VCU), Floretta Jackson (James Madison), T.J. Jordan (Old Dominion), Kyra Kaylor (William and Mary), Clarisse Machanguana (Old Dominion), Hamchetou Maiga (Old Dominion), Tiara Malcom (Delaware), Gabriela Marginean (Drexel), Ticha Penicheiro (Old Dominion), Nyree Roberts (Old Dominion), Tyresa Smith (Delaware) and Tamera Young (James Madison).
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here to view photos, video and extended bios on each member of the 25th Anniversary Women's Basketball Team.