Jenna Staiti gives Maryland women’s basketball a fresh face in the post

Maryland women’s basketball opens its season against UMass Lowell on Nov. 13. Until then, we’re profiling everyone on the Terps’ roster.

Jenna Staiti, freshman, center, 6’6, No. 14

Hometown: Cumming, GA

High School: West Forsyth

Twitter: @jenna_staiti

Recruiting Ratings: No. 16 player overall, No. 2 center, No. 1 player in Georgia

Collegiate Stats: N/A

How did she get to College Park?

Staiti averaged 26.2 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks per game during her senior season, leading her high school team to its first-ever Class AAAAAA semifinal appearance. She was an early commit to the program, making her decision way back in 2013. A main reason for this was the personal connection made between her family and the Maryland coaching staff. The family atmosphere Maryland provided was convincing enough for Staiti to make College Park her home for the next several years.

2016-2017 prospectus

Staiti will be the backup center to Brionna Jones this season. She will get some game time, but with the senior standout Jones in front of her, there will only be so many opportunities. Staiti will be a valuable role player, since she is great in the post, but can also shoot from anywhere on the court and even outside the arc. Next year, when Jones has graduated, could be Staiti’s breakout season.

What a dream season might look like

Staiti splits a good amount of time on the court with Jones throughout the season. Frese gives her some run in most of the non-conference games and some Big Ten games, and the freshman averages an 8-8-2 line, helping Maryland to another conference title.

Up next

Another Georgia native and three-star guard.