UW's Smith Becomes First Husky Drafted to WNBA
April 28, 2000
SEATTLE, Wash. - Former University of Washington star Rhonda Smith became the first Husky ever drafted to the WNBA when the Sacramento Monarchs made the 6'-3" center their third-round selection, 46th overall, at Monday's 2000 WNBA Draft in Secaucus, N.J.
Smith played three seasons for the ABL's Seattle Reign (1996-98) and the Portland Power (1998-99), and ranks second on Washington's all-time scoring list with 1,801 career points. Smith earned All-Pac-10 honors three times in her UW career, and was a member of the 1993 USA Basketball Junior National Team.
"We had a great draft, we really addressed our needs," Monarchs Head Coach Sonny Allen stated. "Rhonda Smith is a strong, inside player and played very well at Pre-Draft Camp. We went for offense and I'm very pleased with the four players we selected."
Ironically, the Monarchs open their season May 31 in Sacramento in the inaugural game for the expansion Seattle Storm.
