STALEY NAMED TO WNBA'S ALL-DECADE TEAM

NEW YORK- Dawn Staley has been selected as one of the top 10 WNBA players of the past 10 years, as selected by a vote of a panel consisting of national media, coaches, former and current WNBA players, WNBA personnel and fans. Staley, playing in her final WNBA season, was selected for her overall contribution to the WNBA, with consideration given to on-court performance and ability, leadership, sportsmanship and community service, as well as contribution to team success and the growth of women's basketball.

"I'm honored," said Staley. "It comes as a surprise to me, certainly to be in great company, especially with the great players from the Houston Comets. I'm honored. It's an honor to be associated with those players and just represent the WNBA in this manner, not just for the basketball, but for all the things we do in the community and what we do to try to continue women's basketball on the professional level here in the United States."

A three-time Olympian who has helped the U.S. win three gold medals, Staley was selected by the Charlotte Sting as the ninth pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft. Her impact was immediate both on and off the court where she received the WNBA Sportsmanship Award and the league's Entrepreneurial Award for outstanding community service as a rookie.

In her third season, Staley became the unquestioned leader of the Sting and helped orchestrate one of the sport's biggest comebacks. After starting the season 1-10, Staley became the ultimate 'coach on the floor,' propelling Charlotte to the WNBA Finals and, in the process, was voted as a starter in her first WNBA All-Star Game.

A four-time All-Star overall, Staley enters 2006 season ranked among the leaders in several all-time WNBA categories, including third in assists (1,204), 16^th in free-throw percentage (.836) and 17^th in steals (303).

After seven years with the Sting, Staley was traded to the Houston Comets in August of 2005. Just as had been the case in Charlotte, Staley's impact was immediate as she helped the Comets clinch a playoff berth.

As a collegian, Staley led Virginia to three Final Fours and was the national Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. She finished her career as UVA's record-holder for points (2,135) and assists (729) and as the NCAA career leader in steals (454).

The All-Decade Team will be brought together for the first time and formally honored at the 2006 WNBA All-Star Game set to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 12. The game will be televised live on ESPN at 7:30 ET.

WNBA All-Decade Team
Name WNBA Team (Current/Last Team) Previous Team(s)
Sue Bird Seattle Storm (2002-Current)
Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever (2001-Current)
Cynthia Cooper* Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003)
Yolanda Griffith Sacramento Monarchs (1999-Current)
Lauren Jackson Seattle Storm (2001-Current)
Lisa Leslie Los Angeles Sparks (1997-Current)
Katie Smith Detroit Shock (2005-Current)
Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005)
Dawn Staley Houston Comets (2005-Current) Charlotte Sting (1999-2005)
Sheryl Swoopes Houston Comets (1997-Current)
Tina Thompson Houston Comets (1997-Current)