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Martin signs contract with WNBA team

Monique Martin, center, the most prolific scorer in Brewton-Parker College basketball history, has signed a free agent contract with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. She becomes the first basketball player from BPC to play at the professional level. BPC retired her jersey #1 during Honors Day ceremonies April 17 in Saliba Chapel. She is shown with athletic director Steve Barker and her coach, Sheila Simmons.

By Taylor Hereford

Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON – Monique Martin, the most prolific scorer in Brewton-Parker College basketball history, has signed a free agent contract with the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.  She becomes the first basketball player from BPC to play at the professional level.

“I’m very excited,” said the soft-spoken Martin.  “This is something I’ve been waiting on since I was a little girl.”

The 5’11” senior guard from Thomson, Ga. was the nation’s leading scorer in Division I this past season for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), averaging 29.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.  She also averaged 1.7 assists and 3.7 steals. 

As a result of her stellar season, Martin, 23, earned numerous postseason honors, including being named the SSAC’s Player and Newcomer of the Year.  She was named to the All-Conference Team and a member of the WBCA/Kodak All-American Team.

“I’m extremely proud and excited for Monique,” said Sheila Simmons, Martin’s coach at BPC.  “She will represent the WNBA with class and I know she will have a great career.”

Martin left for Connecticut April 19 and will report for the team’s first day of training camp April 23.  Before she officially left Mount Vernon, the college surprised her by retiring her jersey during Honors Day ceremonies April 17.

“I was very surprised,” said Martin of the jersey retirement ceremony.  “I was speechless.”

The Connecticut Sun’s first regular season game is May 19 at the Washington Mystics.  For more information on the team, and to follow Martin’s progress in the WNBA, visit www.connecticutsun.com.

-BPC-