George Washington University Athletics
Forward Vishniakova Transfers To GW
8/25/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 25, 1999) -- Forward Elena Vishniakova has transferred to The George Washington University from the University of Georgia, head coach Joe McKeown announced today.
A two-year starter at Georgia, the 6-4 Vishniakova was a member of the 1998-99 Georgia team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. She started 14 of 26 regular-season contests in 1998-99, averaging 7.7 points per game. She ranked among the Southeastern Conference leaders in free throw percentage (77.5%), rebounds (6.2 rpg) and blocks (35). As a freshman in 1997-98, Vishniakova averaged 6.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and tallied 14 blocks.
"Elena joins the GW program after starting for two seasons at Georgia, where she played in the 1999 Final Four," said McKeown. "She's an outstanding forward whose style reminds me of (former GW All-American) Noelia Gomez. At 6-4 she can play in the post, and she can knock down the perimeter jumper as well. She also is a solid defender and shot blocker. She will really fit into our style of play, and I'm excited for her to be a part of our program."
Vishniakova, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC. She averaged 28.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game during her two seasons at Heathwood Hall while leading her team to a 43-10 record. She was named second team high school all-America in 1997 by both Parade and Nike/WBCA and honorable mention all-America by USA Today. Blue Star Recruiting Index named Vishniakova the No. 20 prospect in 1997. She was named the 1997 South Carolina Prep Player of the Year by Gatorade/Scholastic Magazine and by the South Carolina High School Basketball Report. The State newspaper in Columbia named Vishniakova it's 1996 South Carolina Player of the Year for independent schools.
Per NCAA transfer rules, Vishniakova will sit out the 1999-2000 season. She will have two years of eligibility beginning with the 2000-2001 season.
