Meet Alyssa Thomas
Alyssa Thomas may be a consensus top 10 player and a member of Maryland's top-ranked 2010 recruiting class, but life in the spotlight remains a surprisingly new phenomenon to her.
“Just the other day, I was at basketball tryouts,” Thomas said, “and this lady came up to me and was talking about how she loves Maryland, how it was a good choice and how she can’t wait to see me play. ... It’s surprising that a lot of people know who I am.”
Thomas says she’s incredibly appreciative of any attention she receives from Maryland fans, and since her commitment almost one year ago, encounters with Terps fans in the Harrisburg, Pa., area have become increasingly common. But despite the extra attention and a litany of press clippings, Thomas remains humble.
“I don’t really pay attention to [the accolades],” Thomas said. “It’s nice and all, but I still have a lot of work to do.”
Work has already started for Thomas, whose senior season for the Central Dauphin Rams is right around the corner. Getting back on the court -- whether it be for her high school squad or for the Terps next year -- is something Thomas looks forward to.
“I’m definitely [focused on high school],” Thomas said. “I’ve got to finish my senior season and try to go out with another state title. But then after that, I can’t wait for Maryland.”
Here’s an introduction to Thomas.
Name: Alyssa Thomas
Birthdate: April 12, 1992
Birthplace: Harrisburg, Pa.
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa.
Nicknames: Magic, A-Thom
Height: 6’1
Position: Small forward
Rankings: ESPN HoopGurlz -- No. 7 player in the country. AllStarGirlsReport.net -- No. 7 player in the country.
High School: Central Dauphin
Junior statistics: 20 points, 13 rebounds
Other schools considered: “I really didn’t look at many schools because I just knew right off the bat what I was looking for.”
Favorite pro basketball player: Candace Parker
Favorite pro basketball team: None
Favorite all-time Terp: Marissa Coleman
Favorite music: Beyonce, Jay-Z
Favorite movie: White Chicks
Favorite TV show: America’s Next Top Model
Favorite book: Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper
Favorite food: Wings
Favorite high school class: Math
Favorite thing about College Park: “The atmosphere.”
Hobbies: “I like to fish.”
Intended major: Business
Something that not many people know about you: “I like to play practical jokes. I put a fart machine under my coach’s chair. … He was very embarrassed.”
Best basketball moment: “Probably winning the state championship my sophomore year.”
Why Maryland? “I mean I just liked the team. I felt like it was my type of team. I just wanted to be a part of it.”
Comments
Can't wait to watch AT play! So happy she chose Maryland. Her class looks like it will have a chance to make an immediate impact. Great job by the staff.
Posted by: Tom | October 13, 2009 10:14 AM
Welcome Alyssa! So excited to watch you play and hope you'll enjoy learning at the outstanding Smith School of Business (I did!)....
Posted by: Julia | October 13, 2009 11:53 AM
ALYSSA - SO HAPPY YOU ARE A TERP AND I KNOW YOU WILL BE PART OF A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM IN THE YEARS AHEAD. FROM WHAT I READ NOT ONLY ARE YOU A FINE BASKETBALL PLAYER BUT ALSO AN EXCELLENT HUMAN BEING. RS
Posted by: rod samson | October 15, 2009 1:49 AM