April 19, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina senior Shaunzinski Gortman became the first Gamecock woman to be drafted into the WNBA Friday as the Charlotte Sting made the Columbia native the ninth overall pick of the draft. Later in the Draft, USC’s Teresa Geter joined her college teammate in the WNBA when Washington Mystics selected USC senior Teresa Geter with the 36th overall pick (third round). Geter will be reunited with former Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt who is serving as the Mystics Player Personnel Consultant.

Gortman was the first SEC player drafted and one of only three conference players chosen in the first round. Geter was the fifth SEC player selected and the duo share the honor of being the first South Carolina women to be drafted in the WNBA.

“I’m very excited to be staying close to home and playing for the Charlotte Sting,” said Gortman. “This is a wonderful day for me and I’m happy that I have the opportunity to continue playing basketball.”

“Being drafted is a wonderful experience,” said Geter, “and I plan to make the best of my new opportunity. I’m happy that Washington decided to take a chance on me and I’m going to do the best that I can on the court.”