DOVER, Del. – Finishing her career as one of two players in DSU women’s basketball history to rank in the top 10 all-time for most points (1759), rebounds (827) and blocks (72) this past season, forward Tierra Hawkins (2011-15) will take her talents to Europe to play professionally for esch Luxembourg as part of the Total League – located right outside of France.

“I didn’t believe this would happen, but I’m very excited,” said Hawkins, who was named MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2011-12.  “I wish I could start playing right now because this is something I always wanted to do.”

Once DSU’s season ended with a double-digit loss to Norfolk State in the opening round of the MEAC Tournament, Hawkins’ process of continuing her career was a long and grueling one.   From deciding on an agent, to waiting for her phone to ring with a prospective team on the other end, her anxiety level was through the roof.  

“When it came down to it, I chose one agent and then after that it was a process of the agent actually reaching out to overseas teams – giving them game clips and talking to them about what type of player the like or what type of player they need.  After that, it was pretty much a waiting game and I think that part was the most draining part right there.  I was so anxious to figure out what team wanted me or where I’m going – blah, blah, blah.  That happened for at least like a month.”

As the summer continued, Hawkins received the good news from her agent, stating that seven teams were interested in her services.  Once that happened, the decision process became a lot easier for the Clinton, Md. native.

“We actually went down the list and I did some research about the different countries.  I really liked one team, which is the team out of Luxembourg.”

Luckily for Hawkins, somebody close to her is extremely familiar in dealing with the different lifestyle and culture changes a player has to go through when playing overseas.  Her twin sister Tianna Hawkins – a former standout at Maryland and current forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics – played a few years over in China and Hungary.

“She told me the team was she on wasn’t really that good, but she did have a good experience,” Tierra added, who is the youngest of the pair.  “She said being lonely and all that is part of the process – so be prepared for that.”

Thankful for the advice, Hawkins feels she will adjust well to life as a professional athlete overseas.

“It’s just like going to high school or going to college – adjusting and stuff like that.  I feel like I’ll adjust well and everything.”