Quanisha Ratley didn’t care about the number next to the school.
“It doesn’t matter what division it is,” the Grand Street Campus star said. “As long as you fit there and get along with the coaching staff, why not?”
That’s exactly the type of environment the super athletic 5-foot-10 wing found at C.W. Post, which is why she committed to play women’s basketball at the Division II Long Island school on Tuesday. It was never about chasing a Division I dream for Ratley, who will receive a partial scholarship.
She never felt the urge to go to a junior college or prep school in order to further raise her stock after a big summer with the Baseline AAU program. She chose C.W. Post over Southern Connecticut State, Adephi and a host of Division III schools.
“You are there to get an education,” said Ratley, who wants to study business. “That’s the biggest goal.”
She visited the Pioneers in the early part of the spring and left with a positive vibe from the coaches. Head coach Deirdre Moore and her staff were friendly and Ratley believed they have her best interest in mind. C.W. Post’s up-tempo style appealed to the way Ratley like to play — fast — and it made her feel like it was the right match.
The Pioneers went 21-10 last season, 11-5 in the ECC, and lost in the first round of the Division II NCAA tournament. Post also has fellow New York City players Nijah LaCourt (Manhattan Center) and Nicole Marciniak (Archbishop Molloy).
“She fit their system,” Grand Street coach Corey McFarland said. “They needed a wing player.”
Ratley spent the summer expanding her game, particularly her jump shot, with Baseline. She was their best player at times, which translated into a strong senior season with a young Grand Street team. Ratley averaged 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds and her leadership role expanded.
“Schools in the city, they know what type of player she is,” McFarland said. “She’s put up some big numbers since she was a sophomore.”
Ratley is happy to be accomplishing this at Grand Street. McFarland, likewise, credited her with sticking with him and his staff, as she also did with Tomas Baez and Baseline. It led her to a school where she is comfortable, will get a sound degree and be in a system that could allow her to thrive.
“It’s the best feeling,” Ratley said. “I’ve been working so hard for four years. I achieved my goals.”