(Dover, Del.) – Finishing her career as one of two players in DSU women's basketball history to rank in the top 10 all-time for most points (1759), rebounds (827) and blocks (72) this past season, forward Tierra Hawkins (2011-15) will take her talents to Europe to play professionally for esch Luxembourg as part of the Total League – located right outside of France.
“I didn't believe this would happen, but I'm very excited,” said Hawkins, who was named MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2011-12. “I wish I could start playing right now because this is something I always wanted to do.”
Once DSU's season ended with a double-digit loss to Norfolk State in the opening round of the MEAC Tournament, Hawkins' process of continuing her career was a long and grueling one. From deciding on an agent, to waiting for her phone to ring with a prospective team on the other end, her anxiety level was through the roof.
“When it came down to it, I chose one agent and then after that it was a process of the agent actually reaching out to overseas teams – giving them game clips and talking to them about what type of player the like or what type of player they need. After that, it was pretty much a waiting game and I think that part was the most draining part right there. I was so anxious to figure out what team wanted me or where I'm going – blah, blah, blah. That happened for at least like a month.”
As the summer continued, Hawkins received the good news from her agent, stating that seven teams were interested in her services. Once that happened, the decision process became a lot easier for the Clinton, Md. native.
“We actually went down the list and I did some research about the different countries. I really liked one team, which is the team out of Luxembourg.”
Luckily for Hawkins, somebody close to her is extremely familiar in dealing with the different lifestyle and culture changes a player has to go through when playing overseas. Her twin sister Tianna Hawkins – a former standout at Maryland and current forward for the WNBA's Washington Mystics – played a few years over in China and Hungary.
“She told me the team was she on wasn't really that good, but she did have a good experience,” Tierra added, who is the youngest of the pair. “She said being lonely and all that is part of the process – so be prepared for that.”
Thankful for the advice, Hawkins feels she will adjust well to life as a professional athlete overseas.
“It's just like going to high school or going to college – adjusting and stuff like that. I feel like I'll adjust well and everything.”
*Note: To keep up with Hawkins as she embarks on her professional career, follow her on Twitter (@imtee_x3) and Instagram (@imtee24).
