As athletes are pressured to commit to a college earlier and earlier, it can no doubt become stressful for the athlete, pressing their game into question.

For 2010 women’s basketball recruit, Jazmin Pitts, that was something she was determined to avoid as she committed verbally to Virginia last summer.

“The main thing was getting the stress off of my shoulders,” Pitts said. “It took a whole lot of stress off and I am able to just play.”

The 6’1” center that Virginia thinks could transition into a strong power forward made her decision fairly easily when it came down to it. Courted by Virginia Tech and Duke, all signs pointed to the Cavaliers.

“It was everything,” Pitts said. “They were positive. Right when I walked in with the whole coaching staff, it was a great environment.”

Ryan continues to stockpile talent with Pitts and fellow commit Erinn Thompson. The excitement building around this team continues to grow, largely encouraged by 2009 commit Lexie Gerson who has taken up the recruiting cause for herself. Pitts said she has run into Gerson at multiple AAU tournaments.

“She’s [Gerson] excited too,” Pitts said. “She talks up Virginia. “I just can’t wait till we all are playing together.”

At least two years from hitting the hardwood as a Cavalier, Pitts is currently focusing on AAU ball (Boo Williams) and preparing for her junior season. At Cosby High School, Pitts and her teammates are attempting to propel a two-year old program to a championship.

“Our first year was rough,” Pitts said. “Last year we made it to the first round of regionals. This year we can go further.”

Pitts, similar to many other recruits, works out year round. Every day is a mix of visits to the trainer, weightlifting, and getting in shots on the court.

Her workout regimen is not surprising though as she described herself as a “determined player, who’s always looking to get better.”

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