Nov. 18, 2008

CHAPEL HILL --- The University of North Carolina women's basketball program has signed Tierra Ruffin-Pratt to a National Letter of Intent, head coach Sylvia Hatchell announced Tuesday. Ruffin-Pratt joins Krista Gross of Concord, N.C., Waltia Rolle of Nassau, Bahamas, Cierra Warren of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and Nyree Williams of Ellicott City, Md., who signed NLIs last week.

Ruffin-Pratt, who attends T.C. Williams High in Alexandria, Va., is a 5-10 guard. The No. 1 senior guard in the country according to ESPNU HoopGurlz, Ruffin-Pratt led her high school team to an undefeated regular season as a junior.

"Tee has tremendous leadership skills and knowledge of the game," Hatchell said. "She has the total package, she can score, defend and is a great passer. Her versatility is unlimited. We are thrilled that she will be joining our Carolina family. She will be a tremendous asset to our University and our community."

Ruffin-Pratt was the 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year for Virginia. She was also the 2008 Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year after earning first-team All-Met honors as a sophomore and second-team accolades as a freshman. A three-time first-team all-state performer and the 2006 USA Today Freshman of the Year, Ruffin-Pratt averaged 27 points, 15 rebounds and 7.0 assists as a junior. She is the daughter of Deneen Pratt.