Maryland signs freshman guard Taisiya Kozlova
By Ben Rosof
Terps add lengthy guard to list of 2020 newcomers
Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese announced the signing of freshman Taisiya “Tai” Kozlova (ty-EE-see-ah koz-LOW-vah) on Monday. Amidst a busy offseason that’s seen several players depart and join the program through the transfer portal, Kozlova, a 6’1 guard from Moscow, Russia, will arrive in College Park with four years of immediate NCAA eligibility.
“I chose Maryland because of the genuine coaching staff and I feel that I can grow there as a player and as an individual,” Kozlova said in a release.
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Taisiya Kozlova
Taisiya Kozlova competed for Elevation Prep in Sarasota, Florida this past season, her first in the U.S. She started every game while leading the team in scoring and minutes played, averaging 13 points, 2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Kozlova’s 2019-20 campaign was highlighted by a 27-point outburst against Lehigh High School, during which she went 8-for-8 from behind the arc. Kozlova also impressed in the classroom, earning a 4.0 GPA.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tai into our Maryland family,” Frese said in the release. “She fits us perfectly and will be eligible immediately. She is a dynamic guard with a tremendous length that can really shoot the ball and defend. She has an extremely high motor and is so unselfish. All she wants to do is win. We can’t wait for Tai to join our team and program and continue to help us compete for championships.”
Taisiya Kozlova joins three other newcomers for the Terps including No. 2 overall recruit Angel Reese, Mississippi State transfer Chloe Bibby and Harvard graduate transfer Katie Benzan. The additions will help neutralize the losses of Shakira Austin, Taylor Mikesell and Olivia Owens, all of whom previously announced their intentions to transfer from the program, as well as the graduation of Kaila Charles and Stephanie Jones.
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