Ariana Freeman Joins Colorado Women's Basketball Team

BOULDER - Ariana Freeman has signed a financial aid agreement to continue her education and play basketball at the University of Colorado head coach Linda Lappe announced on Thursday.

A 5-foot-9 guard from Manassas, Va., Freeman will sit out the 2015-16 season after transferring from Louisville. She will have three seasons of eligibility beginning in 2016-17.

Freeman was a standout for Paul VI Catholic High School near Washington, D.C., but has deep Colorado roots.? Her parents, Desmond and Veronique, Freeman, are both Colorado alums and her dad played football for the Buffaloes from 1994-97 as a tight end, then known as Desmond Dennis

"It feels good knowing that I will be going somewhere surrounded with support from my family and loved ones, Freeman said. "Colorado has a great coaching staff along with great players; I'm excited for a fresh start and to once again be a Buff.

Freeman was the 2014 Washington Catholic Player of the Year, finishing her career as the school's all-time leading scorer. She led Paul VI to its first WCAC championship as a senior averaging 16.2 points per game. Freeman was twice selected to the All-Met first team and three times to the All-WCAC first team.

Freeman averaged 19.7 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior and was the only non-senior on the 2012-13 All-WCAC squad. She was ranked in ESPN HoopGurlz Top 100 throughout her prep career, reaching as high as No. 15 as a sophomore. Freeman was the 24th rated wing coming out of high school.

"Ariana grew up wearing Buff gear and we are so excited that she will wear the black and gold again," Lappe said. "She is a big, strong guard who can get to the rim, defend and bring a level of toughness; she will add a great deal of versatility."

Freeman played in 19 games as a true freshman for the No. 8 (AP)/10 (USAT) ranked Cardinals who advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. She maintained a 3.6 GPA in high school and is interested in Communication at Colorado.

"Ariana embodies what it means to be a true student-athlete," Lappe said. "Our college of Media, Communication and information really sold her on being able to reach all of her dreams off the court.

"She will have an opportunity to work with our coaching staff on individual skills so she can make a smooth transition. We are excited Ariana is a Buff."