Chatman to Concentrate on Other Interests

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July 9, 2004

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia women’s basketball player Deidra Chatman (Oakland, Calif.) has decided to pursue other endeavors instead of playing basketball next season, head coach Debbie Ryan announced on Friday.

Chatman, who will be a junior in the fall, played in 23 games last season with two starts. The 6-6 center will remain at UVa to complete her degree requirements.

“We will miss Deidra on the court, but she will still be a part of our basketball family,” said Ryan.

As a sophomore during the 2003-04 season, Chatman blocked a career-high three shots in the win over Wagner. She started in the season-opening win over UNC Greensboro, chipping in a career-high seven boards and a career-high three blocks.

As a freshman, Chatman saw action in 26 contests as a reserve, averaging 1.5 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 6.4 minutes of action. She earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors on Jan. 20, 2003, after netting a career-high 11 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the win over Georgia Tech, and a career-high three blocks in the win over Maryland.

A Street & Smith’s Honorable Mention All-American in 2001, Chatman earned three letters in basketball at John F. Kennedy High School. A first-team All-West Contra Costa County, All-San Francisco Bay area and third-team All-Metro selection, she was rated No. 45 by the All-Star Girls’ Rating.

Virginia opens the 2004-05 season on Nov. 10-11 at the Women’s Sports Foundation Classic in Baton Rouge, La.