Florida State guard Angela Sutton cut hard across the top of the key off a screen in the first half of Sunday's matchup at University Hall.
Right in her path loomed a tall figure in a white jersey. She stood straight with her arms folded across her torso and braces for the impact.
The contact is vicious, and the player in white hits the floor with a massive thud. The whistle blows and the referee puts one hand on the back of her head and points the other way toward the Virginia basket. The U-Hall crowd roars. Another drawn charge for Anna Crosswhite.
The fall is not a light one, but pain is a familiar sensation for the 6-foot-3 junior from Castlecrag, Australia who doesn't think twice about sacrificing her body on the basketball court. Whether it is to draw a foul or dive for a loose ball, Crosswhite's hustle remains unmatched.
"Anna is a very intelligent player," Virginia coach Debbie Ryan. "She's a player that can be one of the best defenders because she takes a lot of charges and can be very tough inside."
Crosswhite, a team captain, does not have gaudy offensive numbers that stand out on the stat sheet. However, her superior defensive play and unparalleled hustle give her much more value as a player than her 6.1 points per game would indicate.
She also seems to have a knack for making the game a living hell for the opposition through her tenacious play.
"I'm pretty sure all the opposition teams do not like me," Crosswhite said. "And I think that's one up for me, to be able to have that mental edge."
Crosswhite's favorite way to frustrate Virginia's rivals is to cause turnovers and draw fouls by stepping up and taking charges. 'Charges taken' is not a statistical category, but if it were, Crosswhite would certainly lead Virginia. She has plenty of nicks and cuts to attest to her propensity to take hits from even the biggest and toughest players in the ACC.
"I've got some good bruises, I must say," Crosswhite said as she pulled up her sleeve to reveal half a dozen marks and cuts.
It was not a sight for the faint of heart.
On Crosswhite's forearm was the largest mark of all, a football shaped purple bruise that would turn even the strongest of stomachs.
Despite the obvious pain involved, Crosswhite wears these bruises like badges of pride. Like a grandmother showing pictures of her children and bragging about their beauty, Crosswhite eagerly displays the grotesque bruises, the proof of her labor and her contribution to the team.
There is more to Crosswhite than just bruises, however. Her three point shot is known to be deadly and as captain she has led her team out of a 0-4 start in the ACC to their current hold of third place in the conference.
Crosswhite also has been nominated for the prestigious Verizon All-Academic Team, and was selected to live on the Lawn next year.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to live on the Lawn next year," Crosswhite said. "It's an honor and a responsibility and I really look forward to it."
With Crosswhite returning to the women's basketball team for her final season next year, she better keep that lawn room well stocked with band-aids.She's going to need them.
Read More
ISTVAN: Tony Bennett left Virginia in a hole
By Ben Istvan | 2 hours agoHis decision to retire doomed this men's basketball season.
Football lands three additional transfers
By Peter Kriebel | 2 days agoOne common trait that stands out with this most recent batch of transfers is size.
