DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University Women's Basketball Head Coach Janell Crayton announced today that Cassandra Hawthorne will join the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season out of the transfer portal from Coppin State University.
 
Hawthorne, a 5-foot-11 guard from Hartford, Connecticut, appeared in 24 games off the bench as a redshirt junior with the Eagles during the 2023-24 campaign, She connected on 22 percent of her shots from the field, averaging 9.5 minutes per game under Head Coach Jermaine Woods.
 
"Cassandra's maturity and championship experience along with her undeniable talent are a true asset to our program," commented Crayton, set to begin her fourth season at the helm in Daytona Beach for the upcoming season. She is capable of playing multiple positions both offensively and defensively with her versatility which should be effective in our league."
 
Before her season at Coppin State, Hawthorne spent two years at Community College of Baltimore County, where she helped her side to a 36-1 record in 2022-23 and advancing to the NJCAA National Championship. As a redshirt sophomore, she was an All-Region 20 Honorable Mention performer, averaging 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. That same year she scored in double-figures 19 times across the season. Against Pima CC in the NJCAA quarterfinals, she turned in a 17-point performance in the win.
 
In high school, Hawthorne was a two-time CSC Conference champion, as she led her team in scoring, rebounding and blocks as a junior. She averaged a double-double while also leading the team in rebounding and blocks as a sophomore as well.
 
Bethune-Cookman finished 15-16 last season, including a 9-5 record at home. The Cats picked up key victories against Georgia State, Iona and Jacksonville, respectfully. Hawthorne is the third transfer to arrive to the Wildcats following Asianae Nicholson from Alabama A&M and Shomari Phillips from Texas Southern.
 
"We are so excited to add Hawthorne to the Wildcats family, and I can't wait to get to work once the semester begins," added Crayton.
 
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