Starks Signs Overseas Contract With WNBL Perth Lynx
Jul 30, 2009 | Women's Basketball
July 30, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Former Texas A&M women's basketball star Takia Starks (Houston, Texas) has signed an overseas contract with the Go For 2&5 Perth Lynx for the upcoming 2009-10 Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) season in Australia.
One of the premier women's basketball leagues in the world, Starks is one of only two American-born players on the Lynx roster which also includes Danielle Campbell from Purdue. With her versatility and experience in both the shooting and point guard roles, Starks will join the team in late August for preseason training. The WNBL season will tipoff in October and runs through March.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to play basketball and follow my dreams," said Starks, who holds the school records in career scoring (1,977), career field goals made (783), career field goals attempted (1,913), career three-point field goals made (178) and career three-point field goals attempted (517). "I have built a good relationship on the phone with my new coach and he believes I will fit in their system well."
The Lynx will compete against the Canberra Capitals, Bulleen Boomers, Townsville Fire, Adelaide Lightning, Bendigo Spirit, Sydney Uni Flames, Dandenong Rangers, Logan Thunder and Australian Institute of Sport. Perth is located in Western Australia and is the fourth-largest city in the country.
"Australia has always been on my list of places to visit," Starks said. "There are a lot of tourist attractions near Perth to explore and with my love of animals, Australia is just a special place with its unique wildlife. I still have veterinarian school on my mind, but would like to see what's out there for me in terms of basketball."
The league has been successful in developing players and led to many receiving contracts to play basketball in European leagues and the WNBA. Michele Timms, Lauren Jackson and former Duke All-American Alana Beard are among the notable players to have competed in the WNBL over the years.
"I would like to thank all of my loyal fans for following and supporting me throughout my college career over the last four years," Starks said. "Texas A&M will always hold a special place in my heart and I fully intend to represent A&M and the Aggies well in my travels abroad."
Fans can follow Starks and the Perth Lynx throughout the season via the WNBL website at: www.wnbl.com.au
BET Awards Flashback...Starks accepted the Protege Best Collegiate Athlete Award during the 106 & Park Red Carpet Pre-Show held in conjunction with the 2009 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards on June 28. She described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience in which she was able to mingle among iconic movie stars and music entertainers including Beyoncé and Al Harrington of the NBA's New York Knicks who presented her with the award. Her favorite performance of the night came courtesy of the old school R&B group, The O'Jays.
