Biding her time
England still out, but thankful for opportunity at FSU
Tiana England didn’t envision her move to Florida State playing out like this.
Nine months after transferring from St. John’s, England is still waiting to play her first game with the Seminoles because of an unspecified medical issue.
“I didn’t know about it at St. John’s,” said England, a Stamford native. “When I arrived here and spoke with the doctors, we felt it was best to be checked out and see what was going on, and hopefully I’ll be back on the court within the next month.
“We definitely didn’t think it would take this long.”
If she’s not able to return, England should have the opportunity to retain her final year of eligibility thanks to a rule the NCAA recently put in place.
England has been in this position before, but under much different circumstances. She sat out her entire freshman season at St. John’s after tearing her ACL.
“It does (stink) not being able to play,” England said. “But me sitting out, I’m taking it as just grateful to be here. Honestly, it’s good to sit back and see my teammates work hard and receive the fruits of their labor.”
The 5-foot-7 England started three years with the Red Storm, establishing herself as one of the best facilitating point guards in the country. Her 509 career assists rank fifth among active Division I players.
“Coming here and hoping to make an impact right away, and then being told you can’t play yet, it’s been tough,” England said, “but as one of the oldest on the team … I felt like I needed to be more of a leader. I have a role now where I have to be a vocal leader. I can’t really show by example.”
For England, it’s just another obstacle to be hurdled in this unconventional season. Like many other teams around the country, Florida State has struggled to find any semblance of rhythm. The Seminoles have already had six