RIVERDALE, N.Y. — Manhattan women's basketball head coach Heather Vulin is pleased to announce the newest recruits for the class of 2025; Tatianna Collins (5-10 F, Jersey City, N.J.), Celeste Harper (5-8 G, Englewood, N.J.), Rotem Kahlon (5-7 G, Jerusalem, Israel) and Johlana Tatum (5-8 G, Brooklyn, N.Y.).
Tatianna Collins - Plays her prep ball at Hudson Catholic High School in New Jersey under the auspices of Chris Hernandez. Before that, as a junior, Collins played with current Manhattan forward Alexis Rosenfeld at Morris Catholic where the pair won a Morris County Tournament Title.
Why she chose Manhattan: "From the moment I stepped into the school I felt at home. The staff and community made me feel welcome."
Vulin on the addition of Collins: "Tati is going to be someone that is going to be a menace on the defensive side of the ball. Her length and athleticism and ability to guard anybody on the court is gonna be really fun to coach and open up a lot of options for us defensively. Plus, Tati is a strong finisher in transition converting on her steals and deflections."
Celeste Harper: Played her high school basketball at Academy of the Holy Angels in New Jersey and is currently playing at Kent School (CT) of the Founders League. At Holy Angels, Harper enjoyed a decorated career where she was named First Team All-League and Honorable Mention All-County her sophomore year; First Team All-League, Third Team All-County and Team MVP her junior year; and was First Team All-League, Second Team All-County and Team MVP as a senior. She was assigned the title of captain her senior season at Holy Angels. On August 8, Harper announced her verbal commitment to Manhattan on X, and officially signed her athletic aid agreement on November 15.
Why she chose Manhattan: "The finance program and the feeling of community of the campus, as well as opportunities for growth in athletics and my career field."
Vulin on the addition of Harper: "Celeste is a dynamic combo guard that can run the point and light it up from the outside. She will flourish in our uptempo style."
Rotem Kahlon: Hails from Israel where she represented her country on the U-16 national team and the 3x3 U17 national team. She currently competes for H.Petah Tikva of Israel-Division A, the top division of professional basketball in Israel. While playing for Ramat Hashron during the 2023-24 season, Kahlon led her squad to the U18 national cup, defeating her former club, Elitzur Holon. She was named MVP for the championship.
Why she chose Manhattan: "The basketball program, location and the coaching staff in addition to the great educational system."
Vulin on the addition of Kahlon: "Rotem is going to bring us experience and poise as a freshman. She spent the last two years serving her country in the military but also playing a high level of basketball. Her overall floor game is impressive and she has the ability to make plays on both the offensive and defensive end."
Johlana Tatum: Plays her high school basketball at Nazareth Regional in Brooklyn. She earned the Clutch Performer Award at the WNBPA Camp held over the summer in Brooklyn. Tatum's skillset belies her 5-9 frame as she pulled down 5.8 rebounds per game as a junior.
Why she chose Manhattan: "Because people there made me feel welcomed. I love their energy and I can't wait to be part of their family."
Vulin on the addition of Tatum: "JT's athleticism reminds me of Dee Dee Davis, which comparing anybody to Dee Dee that is a huge compliment. I think JT is going to make an impact with her elite athleticism on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball."
Follow Manhattan women's basketball on X (@Manhattan_WBB) and Instagram (@manhattanwbb).
