JOHNSON, VT - The Vermont State University Johnson Badgers Women's Basketball team was able to celebrate a quarter early this past Sunday, when senior forward, Riann Fortin, met and surpassed the 1000 career point mark, becoming just the 10^th player in program history to achieve the feat. A dart of a pass from teammate, Cris Sandlin, found Fortin beneath the net for her 1000^th career point with a third quarter layup, en route to a game-leading 16 points against Thomas College.  "I've had the opportunity to see Riann play in High School at North Country, at VTSU Lyndon and now have been blessed to be able to Coach her this season at VTSU Johnson.  She is an extremely hard worker with a great love for the game of basketball.  Riann has worked hard over the years and was always a challenging player to coach against as she has the ability to score from inside in the paint and from outside.  Throughout her career she has earned the respect of opponents and coaches throughout the North Athletic Conference and all of NCAA Division 3 Women's Basketball."  States Head Women's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Greg Eckman

Fortin joined the Johnson Badgers family in the fall semester of 2024 after a dominant three years at nearby VTSU Lyndon, where she was a three-sport athlete for the Hornets. While Fortin's strengths have been on display for the duration of her career, she continues to improve every year, currently posting career-high averages at Johnson with 13.6 PPG and 7.1 RPG and seamlessly transitioning into the new program.  "Going from having to prepare to stop Riann, which was always a challenge, to being able to coach her every day has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed." Coach Eckman continues, "Riann is an extremely position individual, she has taken to mentor the younger players on the team and is always encouraging them."

With nine games left of regular season play, Fortin is poised to continue climbing the ranks in Badger history, currently sitting 9^th all-time in rebounds (540), 6^th in FG PCT (.476), and 5^th in blocks (69). "Riann's ability to play the game is second to none.  Whether she's scoring on the low post, grabbing a defense rebounding and running the floor or high fiving her teammates Riann has been an incredible addition to the VTSU Johnson Women's Basketball family."

The Badgers return to the court at home this Wednesday at 5:30 pm, against the Lesley Lynx.