Bria Smith Signs NLI, Will Join Virginia Women's Basketball in 2011

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CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan announced the signing of Bria Smith to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Cavaliers beginning in 2011.

Smith (Massapequa, N.Y.), a 5-9 guard out of Christ the King High School in Queens, N.Y., was a first team All-City selection by the New York Post. In her junior year at Christ the King, Smith led the Royals to the New York State Federation Class AA title and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after netting 19 points and collecting nine boards in the championship game.

Smith was named a third team Parade All-American in 2010. She was a member of the Under-17 United States national team and played in the FIBA U17 World Championships in Spain this past summer. She averaged 5.1 points per game as Team USA went unbeaten in its eight tournament games and defeated France for the gold medal.

Smith is ranked as the No. 2 point guard in the class according to the All-Star Girls Report and is ranked No. 7 overall by All-Star Girls Report, No. 7 overall by Blue Star Basketball and No. 8 overall by HoopGurlz.com.

Smith played for Christ the King head coach Bob Mackey and on the AAU level for Philadelphia Belles coaches Mike Flynn and Fran Burbridge.

“Bria Smith is the quintessential combo-guard and we are elated to have her as a Cavalier,” Ryan said. “I had the unique opportunity to watch Bria help the USA win a gold medal at the World Championships in Toulouse, France, this summer. Developed by Coach Bob Mackey, she has an outstanding mid-range game and she is an incredible defender. Bria’s athletic ability coupled with her All-American floor game will help us win championships during her career at Virginia.”

The Cavaliers’ class is ranked No. 8 by Hoopgurlz.com and No. 12 by All-Star Girls Report.