Maryland’s Transfers Are Ready To Dance On The Biggest Stage

For Brinae Alexander, Lavender Briggs, and other Terp transfers, playing on the biggest stage in college basketball is what pulled them to College Park. 

"I knew that the team is in this position consistently," said Alexander. "This is what I came here for." 

Entering this year's tournament as a second-seed, the Maryland women's basketball team stands among the best programs in the country, making it a popular destination for players looking to change teams. 

Alexander transferred to Maryland this season after four years at Vanderbilt. The co-captain has had a successful season, reaching her 1,000 career point mark as a Terp. This is her first time playing in the NCAA tournament. 

"I knew the tournament was inevitable, but we still had to put our heads down and work hard. But I am very excited to be on this stage," Alexander said.

Senior Lavender Briggs will also play in her first March Madness, coming to Maryland from the University of Florida. Briggs looked forward to playing with the Terps in big moments just like this when she decided to transfer. 

"Getting to play on this stage was one of the main reasons I came here," said Briggs. "I knew the team always competes and plays hard, and I wanted to play hard and try to achieve some of my goals with them." 

Head coach Brenda Frese echoed her players' sentiments, highlighting the strong experience levels of her first-year Terps. 

"Brinae and Lavender have played in the SEC. They've played in so many great games, and the matchups we've had this season with the non-conference and conference slate. So I expect them to be excited and focused," Frese said.

Other veteran players like Elisa Pinzan and Abby Meyers reflected on their positive emotions about playing in their first NCAA Tournament as Terps. 

"I was hoping for this," said Pinzan, who transferred to Maryland after four years at USF. "Just to be in this position is super exciting." 

Potomac, MD, native, Abby Meyers compared entering the tournament as a Terp to her four years at Princeton. 

"It's just a different environment," said Meyers. "I don't have to travel somewhere for the first round. Last year [with Princeton] we were at Indiana, but here it's amazing that it's home. So there's a more comfortable vibe to it."

The fifth-year Meyers has had a standout season as a Terp, earning second All-Big Ten Honors and contributing to Maryland's 25-6 record. She's also been a team leader, especially for her fellow transfer players. She explained how she helped her teammates going into this year's NCAA Tournament. 

"Holding them accountable, doing the right things. Because at the end of the day, every day, every practice, every game matters up until this point," said Meyers. "Also showing them that they have so much to be grateful for. They're on a very special amazing team. You only have a few moments of March Madness in your college career, just take it all in."

Coach Frese demonstrated complete confidence in all of her Terp transfer players. She looks forward to tipping off against 15th-seeded Holy Cross on Friday.

"The transfers will contribute like they have all season long. They haven't made any moment too big," said Coach Frese. "We're built for this moment."