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In May 2003, a week after announcing her retirement from the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, Shanele Stires joined the Ohio women's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach and is returning for her third season as a Bobcat. Stires' resume includes a playing career that has spanned the globe--including professional experience from 1997-2003 in the ABL and WNBA. "Anyone who has ever met Shanele Stires always seems to talk about her unbelievable energy," said Bobcat Head Coach Lynn Bria. "I really like having her as part of our team because of her positive energy and passion for the game. Her playing experience is something that no one else on our staff can match. She has played on every level and has been successful." Stires was drafted by the Lynx in the fourth round of the 2000 WNBA Draft after an exceptional collegiate career at Kansas State. Prior to joining the Lynx, Stires played parts of three seasons in the American Basketball League and won an ABL Championship with the Columbus Quest. She also played professionally in Portugal, Sweden and Greece. "Her playing experience in the WNBA certainly gives her much credibility," Bria said. "But she has also played in the ABL for the Columbus Quest, where she established some strong Ohio ties. I'm fortunate to have her with us. She has been great for our staff and especially for our players." The Salina, Kan., native finished her KSU career ranked fifth in scoring (1,344 points), fifth in steals (170) and sixth in rebounding (701) while starting 80 of 81 games. During her three years with the Wildcats, she averaged 16.6 points and 8.7 rebounds and was an All-Big Eight first-teamer, a Kodak All-American honorable mention selection and a runner-up for the Big Eight MVP award as a senior. Stires enjoyed a three-year professional career in Minnesota where she appeared in 48 games - including five starts - and finished with 98 points, 47 rebounds and 22 assists. The 5-foot-11 forward shot 40.7 percent (35-for-86) from the field and 32.4 percent (12-for-37) from three-point range. |
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