VCU adds Brittani Burgess to huge rookie class

Thanks to a neat bit of cooperation between rival coaches, VCU is celebrating the last-minute addition of another promising freshman.

Brittani Burgess, a first-team all-conference pick in the powerful Washington Catholic Athletic Conference who originally signed with Delaware, is now a Ram fully eligible for the 2013-14 season and beyond.

Burgess, a 5-11 guard, appeared all set to be part of the Blue Hens' post-Elena Delle Donne Era. But when she was unable to make it through Delaware's summer school session, she found herself in need of another scholarship offer.

Eager to help Burgess find a new school, Blue Hens coach Tina Martin called VCU's Marlene Stollings to see if there was a match. Stollings said the two coaches have a good rapport. It also helped that VCU and Delaware no longer share the same conference.

Turns out the Rams were already high on Burgess the player, and they soon became just as enamored with Burgess the person.

"We're excited to have Brittani," Stollings said. "She brings the ability to score, has a nice pull-up jumper, plus she's versatile and can get to the basket. Very athletic. Just a really nice player."

Burgess was joined on the 2012-13 All-WCAC first team by fellow VCU freshman Briana DuBose from Bishop McNamara. Burgess and DuBose are two of the seven freshmen in VCU's incoming class. Click here to read more about the new-look Rams.

The All-WCAC first team also included Paul VI's Marlena Tremba, now at William and Mary; Good Counsel's Amanda Fioravanti, now at Virginia; and Elizabeth Seton's Janelle Hubbard, now at Richmond.