Feb. 17, 2006

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena women's basketball alum Liene Jansone '04 has just been signed to a WNBA contract by the New York Liberty. The pivot player becomes the first Green and Gold representative to be signed by the WNBA.

"Liene has gone on after her Siena days and has proven her game on the international stage," explained head coach Gina Castelli. "This is something that she has worked long and hard towards. We are extremely proud of her getting an opportunity to play in the WNBA and know that she will be an asset for the team. The Liberty just added a lot of fans from up here in the Capital Region."

A 2004 graduate of Siena College, Jansone is also currently playing professionally in Europe. In 18 games, the 6'2" center is averaging 17.8 and 10.3 rebounds in 36.4 minutes of action for Yaya Maria Porta XI in Spain.

"This young player (Jansone) brings experience both at the collegiate and international levels," said Liberty General Manager Carol Blazejowski. "We are confident that she will be able to parlay that into success in the professional ranks here with the Liberty. She offers us versatility and scoring power."

While wearing the Green and Gold, Jansone led the Saints to three consecutive MAAC Basketball Championship title games and claimed MVP honors of the 2001 Championship. She was a MAAC All-Tournament selection in two of those seasons (2002, 2003). She finished her career at Siena as fifth all-time career leader in points with 1,639. Jansone was honored as the 2001 MAAC Rookie of the Year and was also named MAAC Player of the Year in 2003. She was a First-Team All-MAAC selection in 2003 and a Second Team All-MAAC selection in 2002. Jansone was recently selected to the MAAC's 25th Anniversary Team.