Girls basketball: Fremd's Hopkins commits to Northwestern

You can officially add another future Division I talent to Wednesday's Mid-Suburban League girls basketball championship between Fremd and host Prospect.

Vikings junior forward Bryana Hopkins has made a verbal commitment to play for Northwestern University, whose women's team already includes former Rolling Meadows standout Alexis Glasgow from the MSL East.

"On a recruiting trip this fall I went to a football game and I was able to talk her (Glasgow) for quite a while," Hopkins said. "I've played against her quite a bit so it's definitely nice to know someone already there. It was nice to see a face I already knew."

Already signing D-I letters of intent are Prospect senior Taylor Will (Brown) and Fremd senior Haley Gorecki (Duke), who will help lead their teams Wednesday at the Jean Walker House in Mt Prospect.

Hopkins joins 2012 graduate Jessi Wiedemann (Valparaiso), 2013 graduate Ashley McConnell (Illinois) and Gorecki (Duke) as recent Fremd girls basketball players who will play the Division I level.

"Ever since I was little, this was a goal of mine," said Hopkins whose father Byron played D-I at George Washington after prepping Corliss High School in Chicago.

In his senior year, 1991, Byron Hopkins helped George Washington to its first winning season in seven years as a top shot blocker.

Bryana's mother Kelly was also a D-I athlete, playing soccer at George Washington after a high school career in New Jersey.

"My parents have been so supportive throughout the entire process and in general with basketball my entire life," Hopkins said. "My dad taught me a lot about the game and I still enjoy going to gym with him and working out with him."

Bryan was recruited for Northwestern by another familiar face - former Buffalo Grove standout guard Allison Guth, who helped lead the Bison to the Class AA IHSA girls basketball state title in 2000.

"I think Bryana and Northwestern are a great fit," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Northwestern is having a great season (17-6, 7-5 in the Big Ten) and the coaching staff has really turned things in the right direction."

Hopkins' current focus is directed on Wednesday title game, but she is excited to have made her college choice.

"I knew Northwestern is where I wanted to go, so I didn't want to wait any longer than I had to to make the commitment," she said. "I love the staff, the campus and the girls I met on the team. And I like that it is closer to home."

Fremd has been home for Hopkins the last two seasons, during which she has yet to lose a game in the MSL West.

Hopkins has been a key inside presence with her scoring ability and rebounding prowess.

"Bryana has put a tremendous amount of time and effort in the off-season, improving her skills and athleticism," Yates said. "It is great to see a player rewarded for her hard work. She is a great kid and an outstanding student. I could not be more proud of her."

Hopkins is not sure what she will study in Evanston but she believes she will feel right at home.

"It's really a warm feeling there," she said."I felt the team was like family and that's something I was looking for."

Yates believes it is a perfect fit.

"They (Northwestern) are going to be very good for years to come," he said. "Adding a player of Bryana's caliber is a great addition for the Northwestern program."