LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Coach
Chancellor Dugan on Tuesday announced the addition of international player Hana Abdel Aal to the Bellarmine University women's basketball team.
Abdel Aal is a 6-foot-2 center from Egypt.
"Hana brings international experience," Dugan said. "She's a physical back-to-the basket center who can run the floor. We're excited about what she can do."
In 2023, Abdel Aal earned a gold medal playing in the U18 Women's Basketball Egyptian League, was on a squad that placed sixth at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup and another that took 12th at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.
In 2022, Abdel Aal secured gold medals at the FIBA 3x3 u17 Africa Cup, FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women, Women's Basketball Egyptian League and Women's Basketball Egyptian Cup. Her squad placed 11th at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. In addition, she was selected to the NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa All-Star Team.
Abdel Aal earned silver medals in 2021 in both the U16 Women's Basketball Egyptian League and the FIBA U16 Women's African Championship, the latter in which she was honored with the "Best Center in the Tournament" award.
"The coaches believe in me and gave me an opportunity to prove myself," Abdel Aal said. "They gave me self-confidence, and I believe I could be a good addition to the team. I will do everything in my power to help my team win on and off the court. I will bring great spirit to the team."
Bellarmine assistant coach
Monique Reid, who followed a distinguished playing tenure at the University of Louisville with an extensive pro career overseas, played with Abdel Aal for Alexandria Sporting Club in Egypt. Abdel Aal was only 15 at the time but made a big impression on Reid with her personality and as a budding talent.
"Hana was always the sweetest kid and was eager to learn and grow," Reid said. "Her growth from then to now is a testament to her work ethic."
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