Tina Charles is in her sophomore year as a Center for the UConn Huskies.  She’s been playing basketball since she was in second grade.  “My mom said I was always active so she got me on an Athletic Amateur Union (AAU) team and that just got me going, playing a lot of basketball.”

Tina became interested in UConn basketball while watching the years Sue Bird, Swin Cash and Diana Tauriasi won National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships.  She made her decision to come to UConn because she liked what Coach Auriemma had said.  “He told me the only way I was going to be able to play was if I worked hard so I knew he was going to be a person that pushed me, and that’s what I need.”

For Tina the transition from high school to college was more mental than physical.  She felt somewhat prepared physically but had to make some adjustments mentally.

Final Four Bound:  Tina is looking beyond the Final four when asked if she’s looking forward to reaching the Final Four she responded.  “Yes, always, even more, the championship game, not just the Final Four.”