Feb. 19, 2014
Incoming Georgia Tech women’s basketball signee Erin Garner, senior Tyaunna Marshall and fellow signee Imani Tilford all have something in common. What could a forward, guard and point guard all have in common? All three have all have broken school records this season.
Garner, a 6’4″ forward, broke Trenton Catholic Academy’s single season school record of blocks in a single season by recording 106 blocked shots so far this season. During her senior season, Garner is averaging a double-double with 17 ppg and 11 rbg while averaging seven blocks per game.
“Erin has the potential to become an inside presence at Georgia Tech,” head coach MaChelle Joseph said. “She is big, strong and mobile. Erin has tremendous potential and I am excited about the impact she can have at Georgia Tech.”
“I chose Georgia Tech because of excellent academics, great location and strong networking opportunities,” Garner said. “I chose it because of the rich tradition of the basketball program, I wanted to play in the ACC, the great coaching staff, the style of play and I wanted to play for a head coach that believed in me.”
Garner, a McDonalds All-American nominee, has recorded four triple doubles this season, including setting a career-high 17 blocks against Pensauken High. Along with her 17 blocks against Pensauken High, Garner scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. She also had a monster game against Rancocas Valley, scoring 19 points, recording 12 blocks and tallying 12 rebounds.
“I am excited to attend Georgia Tech this summer for a number of reasons,” Garner said. “It is a new city, new school, new team, new experiences and I’ll be a part of something special. I want to take my game to the next level and I believe Georgia Tech can help me do that.”
The Philadelphia native and her team won the ESCIT Tournament this season. Garner was named the MVP of the ESCIT Tournament as well as the MVP of the MLK Showcase and the Sparks New Year’s Resolution.
“My relationship with the coaching staff at Georgia Tech is great,” Garner said. “Coach Jo and I clicked right away. We have a lot in common. We are fierce competitors, winners and we both love my Dad’s Bacon Baby Back Ribs! The coaching staff is knowledgeable, experienced, caring, genuine and professional.”
Garner and fellow signees, Zaire O’Neil and Imani Tilford make up Prospect Nation’s 11th-rated class. The trio was also tabbed by the All Star Girls Report as the No. 18-ranked recruiting class and ranked the No. 30 class in the nation by Blue Star Basketball. The three will join the Jackets for the 2014-15 season.
“The ACC is the best conference in the country,” Garner said. “There’s so much talent, athleticism and competition throughout the conference and with the new additions, there’s no question that it’s the best conference to play in. I’m looking forward to being a part of this epic conference.”
Name: Erin Denee’ Garner
Nickname: “E Block”
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
High School: Trenton Catholic Academy
High School Team Record: 8-8
Height: 6’4
Favorite Restaurant: Red Robin
Favorite Movie: Eves Bayou
Favorite Basketball player: Michael Jordan
Favorite food: Pizza
Major you plan to pursue: Business Administration
Who is your role model? My brother is my role model. He is a 6’6 sophomore at the University of Maryland- Baltimore County where he plays small forward and is captain of the team all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA Majoring in Bio Chemistry.
Fast forward four years to your senior year at Georgia Tech, what will you have wanted to accomplish? If I look into the future my goals are to obtain a degree in Business Administration, win an NCAA National Championship, build lifelong bonds with amazing teammates and coaches and to leave GT as the all-time shot block leader in Georgia Tech men’s and women’s basketball history.
Dreams after Georgia Tech: My dreams after Georgia Tech are to pursue a professional basketball career in the WNBA or in Europe, then be a president or vice president of a successful company while gaining experience to later own and run my own successful business.
