Cleveland's Winters commits to Hartnell, takes college career to California

RIO RANCHO — It may be spring, but Winters is making headlines.

Cleveland senior guard Erin Winters announced her commitment to Hartnell College, continuing her basketball career in Salinas, California.

“Yes (this commitment is rewarding),” Winters said. “After everything, as in growing as a person and getting stronger and gaining knowledge along the way, it is definitely rewarding to make a commitment like this.”

It was only a matter of time til the Cuba, New Mexico, native picked her next uniform to don, garnering attention through her high school career from Southwest schools, such as Ottawa University in Arizona and now California’s Hartnell.

Winters finished her senior run with the Storm, averaging 8.6 points per game, as the third-highest total scorer on the Cleveland team across the year. She also led the team in 3-pointers with 46.

“I definitely enjoyed my senior season with Cleveland,” Winters said. “It was a competitive and fun season, especially being on the court with my teammates and my coaches. Having the same competitive mindset made this season enjoyable, and just playing for the love of the game.”

In the Golden State, the Hartnell Panthers are coming off a postseason appearance with an 18-11 record, going 7-1 in conference as co-conference champions.

Joining a team like this, on top of an eye-opening recruiting process, made joining the maroon and gold a no-brainer for the point guard.

“The recruiting process was very efficient and clear,” Winters said. “The interviews showed me different playing styles. It exposed how each culture was different and how certain aspects were valued in their program.”

Winters joins fellow senior guard Malia Mose at the collegiate level, as the electric blue is now sending a pair from the Class of 2026 to the next stage.

On a relatively young team, this back-court duo may just be the beginning of a Cleveland guard pipeline.

“I would say to younger players who are looking to play in college is to know your playing style,” Winters said. “Know your character on the court and what makes you excited and happy on the court.”

After graduation, Winters and the Panthers will open up another season in the Coast Conference South this fall.