COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland women's basketball team head coach
Brenda Frese signed Big East transfers Christina Dalce and Amari DeBerry this week.
Dalce heads to Maryland after playing three seasons at Villanova. This past year, Dalce was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year award and averaged 8.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. DeBerry comes to College Park after playing three seasons at UConn. She won gold in the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup and was a 2021 McDonald's All-American.
"We are excited to add some great ladies to our program this off-season," head coach Brenda Frese said. "It's truly been a ton of hard work and a team effort from our staff, academic advisor and support staff. In addition, I want to thank Athletic Director, Damon Evans and Deputy AD, Colleen Sorem for their unwavering support of me and our program. It matters. I feel grateful to be leading this program in this new era of NIL. Lastly, I have to give a huge thanks to everyone who's donated to our One Maryland Collective. That support is invaluable to our program for now and the future."
CHRISTINA DALCE
Forward ● 6-2
Senior
Edison, N.J. ● Rutgers Prep (Villanova)
- 2024 Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year
- 2024 All-Big East Honorable Mention honoree
- Started in 70 of 72 games her sophomore and junior season
- Scored in double figures in 14 games and grabbed double-digit rebounds in 18
- Has 15 career double-doubles, including 11 in 2023-24
- In 2022-23, set a Villanova school record for blocked shots in a season with 86
- Earned a spot on the USA Basketball 2023 women's 3x3 U21 team that competed at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U21 Nations League in Handan, China with Shyanne Sellers
Frese on Dalce: "Christina is a high motor player who is going to be so good in our program. She can run the court effortlessly, she's a ferocious rebounder on both ends of the floor, an elite level shot blocker and can score the basketball. Christina played 3x3 with
Shyanne Sellers so we immediately knew all about her once she entered the portal. Christina has a dynamic personality that everyone will immediately be attracted to. She will bring a level of experience immediately to our front court that we need."
Dalce on Maryland: "I chose Maryland because of the location and the family atmosphere. Being close to home and having my family attend my games is huge to me. Knowing that I have a family away from home feels even better. Maryland is the place to be able to develop my game and me as an overall person."
AMARI DEBERRY
Forward ● 6-6
Senior
Williamsville, N.Y. ● Williamsville South (UConn)
- Appeared in 60 games at UConn
- Scored a season-high 8 points vs. DePaul
- Won gold at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup and 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship
- No. 15 ranked recruit in her class and a 2021 McDonald's All-American
Frese on DeBerry: "Our fans are going to love Amari. Not only is she a winner on the court but she is just as talented off the court. She is going to bring so many intangibles that will be celebrated in our program because of who she is. We recruited Amari and her family out of high school. She's won at every level. She's 6-6 and can change the game on both ends of the floor. We can't wait to be able to utilize her presence inside and she will fit in our system perfectly. What an opportunity she has here giving us an immediate presence in the paint that we need. I can't wait to coach Amari."
DeBerry on Maryland: "I chose Maryland not only for its exceptional academic and athletic offerings but also because it feels like home. Since connecting, I've formed meaningful connections with the staff and everyone involved, already experiencing such genuine care, support, and a strong sense of belonging - all values that align closely with my own priorities!"
