COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Senior Eleanna Christinaki of the Maryland women's basketball team will return home to Europe to play with the Greek National Team this summer and professionally next season, head coach Brenda Frese announced Friday.

Christinaki, a 6-0 guard from Athens, Greece, became eligible to play for the Terrapins in December and saw action in 22 games, starting in 16. She averaged 11.8 points per game with 4.6 rebounds on the year. She scored a career-high 32 in her Maryland debut at Coppin State.

"We are excited for Eleanna that she will be living out her dream to become a pro,” Frese said. “We pride ourselves with the number of players we have helped earn that opportunity while playing here at Maryland. We appreciate all that she has meant to our team and program. We wish her all the best."

Christinaki earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors and was twice named to the Big Ten Player of the Week Honor Roll.

“I am so thankful for everyone at Maryland for the opportunity to be a part of this program,” Christinaki said. “I love my teammates, the coaches and the fans that welcomed me. After lots of talks with my family, I have decided I will play professionally closer to home in Europe.

I want to especially thank Coach Brenda for being a great and supportive coach in every way. She is a coach that listens to her players and wants them all to be successful. Without her, I would not have been able to make some of my dreams come true. My teammates are all great people and I wish them all the success. This team will be very good next year and I will be watching.”

-Terps-