The Mystics and UMD set the Women’s Basketball Culture in the DMV

Brittany Whitley August 29, 2023

The Washington Mystics are a staple and hub for basketball in the DMV. It is only fitting, because the area is known for some of the country’s best ballers, and a lot of them can be found right up the beltway at the University of Maryland.

The women’s basketball program at the University of Maryland has a reputation for championships and skillful players who transfer their talents well in the pros. With Maryland producing over 20 WNBA draft picks, the Terps are ingrained in the league in a major way. But no other team in the league has a major tie-in to the Maryland women’s basketball team than the Mystics.

The Mystics have had eight former graduating Maryland Terps on the roster during the franchise’s history – Tianna Hakwins, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Vicky Bullett, Kristi Toliver, Marissa Coleman, Abby Meyers, Stephanie Jones, Katie Benzan, and Crystal Langhorne.

Three of these players are currently on our roster. Tianna Hawkins was a Maryland Terrapin from 2009-2013, staying close to home after growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. During her time at UMD, Hawkins set the school record for the most rebounds in a game with 24 against Wake Forest. She made the All-ACC Second Team during her junior year and First Team during her junior and senior seasons. Tianna has transferred all those talents to the pros and especially with the Mystics. This season Tianna has stepped up to the plate, already having career high averages in rebounds and assists.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough is another former Terp on our roster. Shatori was drafted 6th overall by the Washington Mystics in 2017. At UMD, Shatori was named an ESPNW All American during her junior and senior seasons. During the 2016 season, Shatori was named Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Her presence on the floor, for both UMD and the Mystics, is a talent unlike any other. She is now a WNBA Champion and this season, she is already averaging more minutes, steals, and assists than any other season.

The Mystics have another University of Maryland player on the current roster and her experience and knowledge bring a benefit that not a lot of teams have. Kristi Toliver was a Terp from 2005-09 and made an impact immediately when she got to College Park. Kristi was named to the All-Freshman team and won a National Championship during the 2005-06 season. Kristi has come a long way and continues to share her guidance and talents on this Mystics roster. The veteran guard is a two-time WNBA champion and is a truly skilled guard. In the 2019 Mystics Championship run, Kristi averaged her career high assists, with 6.0 per game. Her knowledge of the game from year-to-year gives the Mystics an edge for the remainder of this season.

Now this next Terps alum is not a Mystics player, but she is a part of the Mystics family. Christy Winter-Scott was a part of the Maryland women’s basketball team from 1987-1990. During her time at UMD, Christy led the team in scoring her senior year by averaging 17.8 points. She also helped lead the team to the Final Four in 1989. Christy Winters-Scott is now a Sports Journalist and Broadcaster for the Washington Mystics.

Women’s basketball on every level is growing and the Mystics and the University of Maryland women’s basketball program both help to make up the strong female basketball culture in the DMV.

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