By: Jill Wunrow
GreenBayPhoenix.com
BRISTOL, Conn. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - After a storied career with the Phoenix, Green Bay women's basketball
senior Julie Wojta (Francis Creek, Wis.) saw her dreams become a reality as the
All-American was selected as the 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the
second round of the WNBA Draft held Monday, April 16 at ESPN Headquarters in
Bristol, Conn.
"I'm just excited for the opportunity and I am excited to work hard and
show I have something to offer to a team," said Wojta about her opportunity to
make the Lynx roster. "I am going to showcase as much as I can and work as hard
as I can."
Wojta becomes the first player in the 39-year history of Green Bay
women's basketball program to be drafted in the WNBA. Wojta was one of 15
players invited to attend the WNBA Draft festivities held at ESPN Headquarters
which included three days of player orientation.
During her senior campaign with the Phoenix, Wojta also became the first
player in Phoenix history to be named an AP Second Team All-American since
joining Division I, a John Wooden All-American, Naismith Finalist and Wade
Watch Finalist. To learn more about Wojta, her career at Green Bay, and watch
highlights, click here.
Wojta will likely transition from her college position of forward, to
her high school position of a guard when competing for a roster spot with the
Lynx. One thing that will remain the same is her competitive nature.
"I'm excited about the transition from a forward to a guard position;
I'm a guard at heart and that's the position I played throughout high school,"
Wojta said. "I've been working on developing my jump shot and working on my
ball handling skills."
Wojta will join some familiar faces when she arrives at the Minnesota
Lynx training facilities as former University of Virginia star Monica Wright
enters her second season with the Lynx. Wojta and the Phoenix beat Wright and
the Cavaliers in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. UConn's all-time
leading scorer and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Maya Moore,
will begin her second professional season with Wotja's new team and 2011 WNBA Champions.
Green Bay is the lone Horizon League team to have players that have
suited up for the WNBA. Chandra Johnson, who played for the Phoenix from
2000-03, appeared in eight games for the Los Angeles Sparks after signing as a
free agent in 2003. Natalie Berglin, who was a member of the Phoenix from
2004-07, signed a training camp contract with the Connecticut Sun in 2008.
"This is a very memorable day for the players, Julie and the
University," said new Green Bay head coach Kevin Borseth who begins his second
stint as the leader of the Phoenix and recruited Johnson, Berglin and Wojta. "To
have someone selected in the WNBA Draft is absolutely amazing. I don't think
anybody can be more proud of Julie than we are."
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Watch the reaction to Wojta's WNBA Draft selection
