Washington Mystics Head Coach and General Manager Mike Thibault announced that the team has signed forward Tianna Hawkins to a contract extension through the 2020 season. Washington acquired Hawkins in a trade with the Seattle Storm prior to the 2014 season. A 6’3 forward, Hawkins was selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Storm.
This season, Hawkins is shooting 50.2% from the field while averaging a career-high 9.1 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game. She set a new career-high in points scored in a game with 24 on July 10 against the Phoenix Mercury. In six years, Hawkins career averages include shooting 48.2% from the field, 5.7 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game.
“Tianna has been a big part of the growth of our team and the success we have had the past several years,” said Thibault. “She has worked hard to improve her game each season and all the hard work has paid off. We are thrilled that she wants to continue that success going forward with her hometown team!”
A standout at the University of Maryland, Hawkins led the Terrapins to the 2013 Sweet Sixteen. She was named to numerous All-ACC Teams, including First Team (2013) and Second Team (2012) and All-Tournament Team (2012, 2013). A D.C. native, Hawkins led the NCAA in field goal percentage (.623) during the 2012 season. During her senior year at Maryland, she averaged 18.0 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game. In high school, Hawkins was the Gatorade State Player of the Year in Maryland and was a Washington Post first-team All-Met during her senior year.
“I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to continue my career here in D.C.,” stated Hawkins. “Being a part of such a great organization and surrounded by the best coaches and teammates in the league has been nothing short of amazing. I am truly blessed for the opportunity and focused on our main goal this season!”