Brenda Frese Adds International Firepower to Maryland Frontcourt

Know for her rebounding prowess and high motor, Fritea made waves in European youth tournaments, earning All-Tournament Top-5 honors and averaging 7.4 rebounds per game in 2024 EuroBasket qualifiers. Her international resume stood out to Frese, who praised her ability to rebound, run the floor and finish through traffic.

“Nicole has good hands and a soft touch around the rim. She plays hard, gets to the line, and makes her teammates better,” Frese said.

Fritea becomes the latest overseas addition to a program that has quietly been expanding its recruiting reach on a more goobal scale. Her ability to anchor the paint and contribute on the glass fills a clear need for Maryland heading into a competitive Big Ten slate.

Off the court, Fritea cited Maryland’s elite academic and athletic as the perfect place for her development.

“This is where I can grow, learn, and build the future I truly want,” she said.

With the Terps looking to build on last year’s tournament run, Fritea could emerge into a valuable frontcourt piece, especially if the rebounding translates early.