Kristen Hanzer’s impact on Fayetteville State University women’s basketball was immediate, electrifying, and unforgettable. A transfer from UNC Wilmington, Hanzer joined the Lady Broncos for her senior season and delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in program history.
In 2012–13, Hanzer earned CIAA Player of the Year honors, becoming the first FSU woman to win the award since 1983. Her all-around excellence was unmatched: she ranked 2nd in the CIAA in scoring (18.7 ppg), 1st in steals (3.8 spg), 4th in assists (3.5 apg), and 12th in rebounds (6.5 rpg). Her leadership helped propel the Broncos to the top of the CIAA Southern Division and a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
Hanzer scored in double figures 25 times during her senior season, including a career-high 35 points against Catawba, showcasing her ability to take over games and inspire her teammates. Her efforts earned her All-Atlantic Region honors and Daktronics Honorable Mention All-America recognition, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated players in FSU history.
Before arriving at Fayetteville State, Hanzer was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at UNC Wilmington, where she appeared in 89 games and averaged 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Her Division I experience and relentless work ethic made her a cornerstone of the Broncos’ success.
Kristen Hanzer’s induction into the Fayetteville State Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates a player whose talent, tenacity, and leadership elevated the women’s basketball program and left a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Broncos.
