Women's Basketball: Ta'afua joins Long Beach State for upcoming 2016-17 season

Darshana Ta'afua career stats

Long Beach State women's basketball head coach Jody Wynn has announced the addition of former Long Beach City College forward Darshana Ta'afua (Western HS/Buena Park,CA) to her squad's 2016-17 roster.

Ta'afu was a two-time all-state and first-team All-South Coast Conference selection for the Vikings. She was also named the SCC South Division Player of the Year after averaging 14.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game as a sophomore. Ta'afua recorded career highs of 30 points against El Camino College and 20 rebounds vs. Cerritos College.

"Darshana came to Long Beach City College with two goals --- win a state championship and become a Division I player." said LBCC head coach Mike Anderson. "From Day 1 we preached 'don't believe the hype and to go and prove it every day.' Even though we didn't win a state title, she worked so hard to achieve her goal and can now move on to Long Beach State and prove it every day. Our basketball staff are all so very proud of her."

As a freshman, Ta'afua led LBCC to the fourth round of the 2014 CCCAA Southern California Regional. That team set the program record for victories in a season with a 26-5 overall record. Ta'afua finished the campaign with 12.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest. She compiled career totals of 743 points, 533 rebounds and 75 blocks in her two years at Long Beach City College.

"We are thrilled to welcome Darshana to our Beach family and know she will be a wonderful addition to our program," Wynn said. "She had a great career at Long Beach City College under Mike Anderson, and has developed her game to be a force at this level. Darshana has been around our staff, seen our team play a number of times and understands our overall philosophy. She is a tenacious rebounder - strong, tough and has a good feel for the game. We are excited to have Darshana as a part of this awesome university and athletic department, and know the fans will really enjoy watching her play!"

Ta'afua joins freshmen Alzena Henry and Tyla Turner to round out the 2016-17 incoming class.

-Press release by Long Beach State Media Relations