By Chloe Adam
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Leesburg (January 6, 2016) — Loudoun County High School senior Elisabeth Gianelos has decided to continue her basketball career at Roanoke College starting in the 2016-2017 academic year.
“I loved the coaches, the location and then fell in love with the school and its programs,” Gianelos said. “It’s a huge relief to know where I’m going and to already have a support group waiting for me next year.”
Roanoke College is located in Salem, Va. and has over 2,000 students from about 40 states and 30 countries. The Roanoke Maroons varsity sports teams compete in the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
The Maroons women’s basketball team – led by head coach Carla Flaherty and assisted by Tom Biskup and David Carter – has started the 2015-2016 seasons with a 5-5 record. Last year, Flaherty began her coaching at Roanoke with the determination of having a great season leading the girls to a remarkable 4-0 record to start off the season — their best start since 2009 — before finishing 8-18.
“I’m just excited for such a cool opportunity. I want to meet all the new players and learn to be a part of a new team,” Gianelos said. “I’ve had the same teammates my whole life and I love them more than anything. A new team is scary, but I am so excited to play for Roanoke and play with the talented players they have.”
Gianelos has been playing basketball since third grade and has loved every minute of it. The 5-foot-9 forward is a four-year varsity letter-winner in basketball and led her Lady Raiders to the state championship last year.
“I am happy with my team and that’s all that matters to me. All the hard work we put in gives us some great opportunities and victories, but I’m just more thankful for my Raider family,” Gianelos said. “There are just these moments during games and practices, especially the tough ones, where my teammates say just the right things to keep the team together. I have learned to be a better leader from that and I couldn’t thank them enough.”
The Lady Raiders have begun the 2015-2016 season with a 9-1 record including a 4-0 start in Conference 21B. Their next game will be held January 8 at home versus Heritage High School.
