Dec. 13, 2004

PHILADELPHIA - For sophomore guard Ayahna Cornish, basketball has been a part of life since she was a little girl. Growing up in Philadelphia, Cornish embraced the popularity of basketball and the tradition of the Big 5.

"Growing up in Philadelphia and watching the Big 5 is like a tradition, especially playing in AAU leagues," Cornish said. "We went to tournaments at St. Joe's and Temple."

A two-time Philadelphia Catholic League Northern Division MVP at Cardinal Dougherty High School, Cornish began to notice colleges interested in her as a sophomore.

One of those recruiting Cornish was Saint Joseph's Head Coach Cindy Griffin. Griffin felt Cornish was an incredibly quick player who could bring a scoring touch to Hawk Hill.

Luckily for the Hawks, Cornish's coach at Cardinal Dougherty High School was former Hawk Mary (McGroerty) McDonald `75.

"It was a bit easier to recruit Ayahna because she is a local player who played in the Catholic League," Griffin said. "We've had a lineage of players who came from the Philadelphia Catholic League, in particular Cardinal Dougherty (and coach McDonald)."

After signing a National Letter of Intent during the 2002 early signing period, Cornish went on to average 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in on the way to being named the Catholic Standard and Time and Northeast News Gleaner Player of the Year.

As a freshman with the Hawks, Cornish averaged 5.2 points over 33 games, including 15 starts.

"She was a great compliment to our seniors and showed, as a freshman, that she could contribute in all of the games, especially the challenging ones, such as George Washington," Griffin said. "I think she learned that hard work can put you a position to win and to contribute to your team."

Poised for a breakout sophomore season, Cornish and the Hawks received bad news prior to the season, when she suffered a broken right foot. Sidelined for a frustratingly-long opening six weeks of the season, Cornish has tried to make the most of her time on the bench.

"I have learned a lot looking at the game from a different point of view," she said. "Just seeing different things happen and seeing other things going on (away from the ball). It will probably help my game as soon as I get back on the court."

Griffin is certain Cornish will pick up where she left off last year when she returns.

"It is tough to say what she has brought since she is not on the court right now, but I know once she comes back, she will provide leadership, scoring, and an all-around presence on the court that we have been searching for," she said. "Last year she was in the background, but this year, when she is 100 percent healthy, she will be on center stage."