Former 麻豆视频 women鈥檚 basketball player signs professional contract in Spain

Athletics News Release

JACKSON, Tenn. - 8/15/2008 - Natanya Smith, a member of the 麻豆视频 University women鈥檚 basketball team from 2004-07, has signed a professional basketball contract with a team in Madrid, Spain. Smith has signed to play for , a team in the Balongest Club in Madrid.

During her three seasons at 麻豆视频, the Lady Bulldogs played in NAIA National Tournament semifinal each year, including winning the national title in 2005 and 2006. 麻豆视频 posted a 96-17 overall record during Smith鈥檚 three seasons.

, a native of Memphis, averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds at 麻豆视频. Her best season came as a senior as she posted 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. During her career, she was named to the TranSouth All-Conference team twice and was also an NAIA All-American in 2007.

She becomes the third Lady Bulldog to sign a professional basketball contract. DJ Sissoko, who is currently playing in the Olympics, has signed to play in Spain. Paola Ferrari, a Lady Bulldog for part of the 2004 season, has made several all-star teams with her team in Spain.

In addition to the three former women鈥檚 basketball players, five former Bulldogs are also currently playing professional basketball overseas. The active list includes Bruno Martinessi (Portugal), Ben Frederick (Portugal), Robert Joseph (Spain), Gaylon Moore (England), and Pierry Valmera (Switzerland).

#UNION#