Talawanda junior Ana Richter verbally committed to play for the Miami University women’s basketball team last month during fall break.

The 6-foot-1 forward, who will likely play guard for the RedHawks, knew early on that her hometown college was the right fit.

“I really liked their team atmosphere,” she said. “I just felt really at home there. They just really worked as a team and I’m all about that.”

Richter also considered NKU, Bowling Green and Cedarville University. She said she would take her official visit during her senior season and sign in the fall.

Richter averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.1 steals and two blocks during her sophomore season. She scored 22 points and had seven rebounds with two assists in Talawanda’s season-opening 461-18 win over Milford on Saturday.

“She’s definitely a hard worker,” said Ana’s mother Kim, who is also the head coach for the Talawanda girls’ varsity basketball team. “She is one of those players who always has her hands on the ball. She is very scrappy, she’s very quick-footed, she’s very good at driving to the hole, but she also has a nice outside shot, which we are working to develop.”

Coincidentally, RedHawks head coach Maria Fantanarosa coached Richter’s mother at Badin High School, where she worked as an assistant from 1995-97.

“It’s kind of coming full circle.” Kim joked. “As a family we are really excited, because we are going to get to continue to watch her play. It will be nice to sit in the stands and not be responsible for her as much.”

Richter, although excited about her college decision, isn’t totally focused on taking the next step just yet. She says she wants to enjoy her final two seasons with her current teammates and finish out high school the right way.

“Now there’s no pressure, there’s no concern about who’s in the stands,” Kim said. ”It’s just all about her team and them getting better.”

Richter and the Braves host Reading Thursday night.