The Minnesota Lynx today selected Virginia Commonwealth center Quanitra Hollingsworth with the ninth overall pick of the 2009 WNBA Draft. Hollingsworth, a three-time All-Colonial Athletic Association performer, joins the Lynx after averaging 14.0 ppg and 9.9 rpg in her four-year career as a Ram.

Hollingsworth leaves the collegiate ranks after enjoying a storied career at VCU, one that left her near the top of many school career lists. The Chesapeake. Va., native stands as VCU's all-time leading rebounder (1,114) and is second in scoring (1,523). Hollingsworth, a three-time All-CAA performer, ended her VCU career after a great senior season, in which she averaged 14.2 ppg and 9.7 rpg. Hollingsworth finished fourth in the CAA in scoring, third in rebounding and second in field-goal accuracy (51.8 percent). Hollingsworth's accolades go well beyond the offensive end of the floor, as she was recognized as the CAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2009.

Hollingsworth's collegiate career came to an end after she led VCU to a 26-7 record and a 2009 NCAA Tournament appearance. VCU entered as the #10 seed, and fell in the first round to Rutgers, 57-51. Hollingsworth, matching up against Rutger’s star center Kia Vaughn for much of the game, totaled 16 points and 11 rebounds in her final game as a Ram.

Hollingsworth enters the WNBA at just 20 years of age, having entered high school at the age of 11 and college at 15. The dynamic post put up her best numbers her freshman season, when she averaged 14.7 ppg and 11.1 rpg. For her efforts, the Women's Basketball News Service named Hollingsworth to its Freshman All-America Team.