November 14, 2001

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech Women's Basketball Coach Bonnie Henrickson has announced the signing of four players to a national letter of intent for the 2002-2003 academic year. Dawn Chriss, Kerri Gardin, Maggie Griesser and Carrie Mason will join the Hokies as freshman next season.

"I am excited to welcome this exceptional group into our basketball family," said Henrickson. "We have improved our depth at every position on the perimeter by adding both skill and athleticism. This recruiting class includes great shooters, ball handlers, passers, rebounders and defenders. Each of these players has been well coached in high school and they have won or competed for championships at both the high school and AAU National level. As a group they have the ability to compete successfully in the BIG EAST Conference."

Chriss, a 6-1 guard from Hillcrest Heights, Md, averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.7 steals as a junior for coach Patti Langworthy at St. John's College High School. She was a third team Parade All-American, an honorable mention Street & Smith All-American and a first team all-conference selection last season. "Dawn brings needed athleticism to our perimeter as well as a presence on the defensive end and the boards," said Henrickson. " Her ability to run the floor in transition makes her a perfect fit for our program. She has competed successfully at the highest level every summer with her AAU organization." Chris was the MVP of both the Bullis Holiday and Holiday Hoops tournaments and selected Tech over Virginia, Maryland and Rutgers.

Gardin, a 6-1 forward from Morganton, N.C. averaged 19 points, 11.8 rebounds as junior for coach Jamie Smith at Freedom High School She led her team to a 26-3 record and the Class 4A finals. Gardin was rated as the 16th best player in the nation by the All-Star Girls Report. "Kerri has the athleticism and skill to compete in the BIG EAST," Henrickson said. " She can score in a variety of ways but has the ability to drop a pass to a teammate for an easy shot. She has exceptional speed and quickness which will be an asset for us on both ends of the floor." Gardin selected the Hokies over Clemson, North Carolina and North Carolina State.

Griesser, a 6-0 guard from Springfield, Pa., averaged 13.9 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds for coach Linus McGinty at Cardinal O'Hara High School. "Maggie has great size for the shooting guard position in our program," said Henrickson. "We are looking for Maggie to fill the shoes of Sarah Hicks. A great shooter off the pass makes her a perfect match to our offensive schemes. She has the size and strength to compete in the BIG EAST." Gardin chose the Hokies over BIG EAST members Providence and Villanova as well as St. Joseph's and Delaware.

Mason, a 5-7 point guard from Seneca, Pa. averaged 21.9 points, 7.2 assists as a junior for coach Don Hall at Cranberry High School. She scored 1,561 points prior to her senior season and holds the school record for assists (506) and is third in career steals with 263. "Carrie is a point guard who has an exceptional basketball IQ combined with the competitiveness to compete in the BIG EAST," Henrickson said. " She is a capable scorer off the dribble and pass. Her ability to handle the ball and see the floor make her a valuable addition to our team." Mason led Cranberry to a 22-5 record on the District 10 quarterfinals and this summer attended the prestigious Adidas Top Ten Camp in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Virginia Tech finished the 2000-01 season with a 22-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Second Round marking the fourth consecutive 20-win season and fourth-straight postseason appearance for the program. The Hokies open the 2001-2002 season on Nov. 16 hosting Richmond at 7 p.m.