Dade County's Ansley Chilton gets ready to take a shot in this file photo.The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball team has picked up a commitment for the class of 2013, yet Dade County High School forward Ansley Chilton chose the Lady Mocs knowing that she probably won't play until the 2014-15 season.
The lean, 6-foot-2 Chilton said she committed to UTC on Friday, after coach Wes Moore explained to her that she would be redshirted to give her a chance to develop her body. The Lady Mocs are well stocked in the post with Taylor Hall, Faith Dupree and Ashlen Dewart all entering their junior seasons.
"I was definitely a little surprised at first when he talked to me about redshirting," Chilton said Monday. "But once I understood what he had in mind and everything, it made sense. I do need to get stronger and develop more physically. And I might as well redshirt if I'm not really going to get to play much because of all the other players ahead of me."
Chilton averaged 11.8 points and eight rebounds a game for the Lady Wolverines last season.
Chilton, who said she also had offers from Mercer and Lee University, found another bright spot in redshirting. A five-year plan would allow her to earn a master's degree while still on scholarship.
Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6268. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mocsbeatCTFP.