University of Massachusets Athletics
Tamara Tatham Signs Professional Contract With Team In Finland
August 04, 2007 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 4, 2007
LAPPEENRANTA, Finland - Recent UMass graduate Tamara Tatham has signed a professional contract to play with the Catz of the Finnish League. Tatham will make her debut in early October after she completes her duty with the Canadian National Team who are looking to qualify for the Olympics later this summer. The Finnish League begins play October 6 and has a 36-game regular season schedule prior to the play-offs.
"I hope she makes it for the first match, although it might take a little while for her to get the same rhythm with the team," said Catz Head Coach Tommi Koskinen. "There are 36 matches before the playoffs, so I think she´ll be fine. We weren´t the only ones who were interested in her as there was a little competition going on. I´m glad we won. Tatham has a two week trial period, but from what I´ve heard I don't think we´ll be having any problems with her, I´ve heard only good things and look forward to having her help us contend for a title."
Last year, the Catz won silver in the Finnish league. There are few of Finland´s national team players on the Catz and Tatham is slotted to be a wing player but will also move into the center position. The Catz play in Lappeenranta which is located in southeast Finland, 220 kilometres to Helsinki (capital) and 40 kilometres to Russian border.
Tatham was a four-year starter for UMass and the first recruit of Marnie Dacko. She amassed 1,186 in 115 career games (10.3 ppg). Tatham also had 754 rebounds, an average of 6.6 a game, as well as 226 assists, 190 steals and 60 blocks. She was a 46 percent shooter from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line. During her senior season, Tatham became the 15th player in UMass history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau and finished eight in UMass history in scoring. She also finished fifth in school history in both steals and rebounds.