One of the most decorated high school basketball players in recent Hamilton history, Christina Buttenham, has enrolled at McMaster University and will suit up for the Marauders in the fall of 2018.

A 2014 graduate of the perennial hoops powerhouse at Hamilton's St. Mary's high school, Buttenham accepted a full scholarship to the University of Iowa, where she played from 2014 to 2017.  Dealing with some injury issues while at Iowa, she made the decision to return to Hamilton after her junior year and after meeting with Mac coach Theresa Burns, Christina made the move to continue her education at McMaster and resume her basketball career as a Marauder.  She will have two years of playing eligibility.

"I'm very excited," said the 5-11 forward, about being back in her hometown. "The transition home wasn't easy after being away for three years, but now that I'm used to it I am just so happy to be here."

Coach Burns called the thought of adding the talented transfer to an already strong team next season a thrilling prospect. "Christina is an athletic player with an outstanding basketball  IQ," said Burns. "She can defend multiple positions, score and create opportunities for teammates, and will definitely have an immediate impact."

Enrolling at McMaster at the start of the second term, Buttenham is happy to be back taking classes and looking forward to getting back on the court in the not-too-distant future.  She will also be reuniting with her former high school teammate Hilary Hanaka, with whom she won four Ontario Provincial Championships.  "When I came back and went to my first Mac game, I actually teared up a bit watching Hilary play," said Buttenham.  "She has always been my favourite person to play with."

Among her past accolades, Buttenham played for the Canadian Junior National team in 2014, and helped Canada to a silver medal at the FIBA Americas U-18 Championship; she was also an Academic All Big-10 selection as a junior and as a sophomore while at Iowa.  

Burns notes that it's the non-basketball elements that make Buttenham special, "She is a great player, but more importantly, she's a great student and a great person and I believe she's a perfect fit for our program."

For her part, Buttenham is looking forward to playing under the McMaster mentor.  "I have not heard one bad thing about Coach Burns," she said. "Hilary and Adrienne (Peters) have been the biggest help in moving back home, and Hilary has had so many positive things to say about Coach Burns."

"I also love the Mac style of play so I think we're going to have a lot of fun next year."

With Buttenham now in the fold, Coach Burns and the McMaster staff continue to work the recruiting trail and expect to announce additional commitments in the coming weeks.