Karen Blair era officially begins at GT with introductory press conference

Karen Blair is the new head women's basketball coach at Georgia Tech .

Blair replaces Nell Fortner , who announced her surprise retirement last week .

Blair was on staff at Maryland for three Big Ten titles, NCAA Tournament berths each year she was there.

Blair says Fortner is one of the classiest people he's ever been around.

Blair says she is "truly thrilled" to be part of the Yellow Jacket family.

She also thanked Rhonda Rompola and Brenda Frese , who she coached alongside at Maryland , as well as Beth O'Boyle , Mike Petersen and Sam Morrow .

Blair then spoke directly to the student-athletes, a few of which were in attendance for the press conference, as she said her job is to support them and lead them.

Blair was asked about what style of play she wants for her teams or if it will be a mixture of everything she's learned from the coaches she's worked for.

Blair wants to keep players in the transfer portal from the state of Georgia and the Atlanta area as well as recruiting with those spots being priorities.

Blair : "We want to to be able to keep these athletes here, and that's going to be my biggest selling pitch".