Sun History

August 28, 2014 - Sun forward Chiney Ogwumike is named the 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year presented by Samsung. Ogwumike received 23 votes from a national panel of 38 sportswriters and broadcasters who voted for the award. Sun guard/forward Alyssa Thomas was named to the All-Rookie Team.

August 21, 2014 - The Connecticut Sun earned the No. 3 and No. 4 selections in the 2015 WNBA Draft following the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm.

July 15, 2014 - Sun guard Katie Douglas and forward Chiney Ogwumike were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as reserves.

April 14, 2014 - The Connecticut Sun select Chiney Ogwumike of Stanford with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Three picks later, the Sun trade 2012 WNBA MVP Tina Charles to the New York Liberty in exchange for rookie Alyssa Thomas (the No. 4 pick in the 2014 Draft), Kelsey Bone (the No. 5 overall pick in 2013) and New York�s first-round pick in 2015.

March 24, 2014 - The Connecticut Sun sign All Star guard Katie Douglas to a two-year contract with a third-year option.

March 12, 2014 - The Connecticut Sun acquire Alex Bentley in a three-way trade that sends Kara Lawson to the Washington Mystics. The Mystics send Matee Ajavon to the Atlanta Dream.

February 28, 2014 - Connecticut Sun head coach Anne Donovan announced former Chicago Sky head coach Steven Key will join her staff as an assistant in 2014.

July 23, 2013 - Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles and guard Allison Hightower were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as reserves.

June 20, 2013 - The Connecticut Sun acquire Kayla Pedersen from the Tulsa Shock in exchange for its second round pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft.

April 2, 2013 - Connecticut Sun head coach Anne Donovan announced today that Catherine Proto will join her staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.

February 4, 2013 - The Connecticut Sun announce that Renee Montgomery has been signed to a three-year contract extension.

February 4, 2013 - Connecticut Sun head coach Anne Donovan announced that Jennifer Gillom will join her staff as an assistant coach.

January 3, 2013 - Anne Donovan is introduced as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun.

November 20, 2012 - The Connecticut Sun announced it will not be retaining head coach Mike Thibault or his assistant coaches for the 2013 season. It is the first coaching change since the franchise relocated to Connecticut at the start of the 2003 season.

September 27, 2012 - Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles is named the 2012 WNBA Most Valuable Player, presented by Boost Mobile. She is the first Sun player to recieve the honor.

September 27, 2012 - Connecticut Sun guard Renee Montgomery receives the 2012 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year Award, presented by Boost Mobile.

September 27, 2012 - Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson is named the recipient of the 2012 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

September 27, 2012 - WNBA President Laurel Richie announced that Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star 2013 will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena.

August 30, 2012 - A 84-73 win in San Antonio marks the 200th victory in franchise history for the Connecticut Sun.

April 16, 2012 - The Connecticut Sun selects Astan Dabo of Mali in the first round (9th overall) in the 2012 WNBA Draft. In the second round (21st overall), the Connecticut Sun selects North Carolina�s Chay Shegog.

February 28, 2012 - The Connecticut Sun signs Sidney Spencer to a two-year contract.

February 6, 2012 - The Connecticut Sun signs Mistie Mims to a two-year contract.

October 4, 2011 � Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles is named to the All-WNBA First Team.

September 29, 2011 � Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles is named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team.

September 18, 2011 � The Connecticut Sun is eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs after being swept by the Atlanta Dream in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. It is the first time the Connecticut Sun has been in the playoffs since the 2008 season.

July 18, 2011 � Connecticut Sun guard Renee Montgomery is named an Eastern Conference reserve at the 2011 WNBA All- Star Game.

July 14, 2011 � Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles is named the starting center for the Eastern Conference at the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game to be played on July 23 in San Antonio, TX.

June 4, 2011 � The Connecticut Sun opens its ninth season of play with a 89-73 victory over the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena.

April 11, 2011 - The Connecticut Sun select Sydney Colson from Texas A&M in the second round (16th overall) in the 2011 WNBA Draft, then trades her to the New York Liberty for Kalana Greene. Connecticut also selects Louisiana Tech's Adrienne Johnson in the second round (28th overall). The Sun also trades its third round pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft to Phoenix for Tahnee Robinson.

September 13, 2010 � Sun forward Tina Charles named to the All-WNBA Second Team.

August 31, 2010 � Sun forward Tina Charles is selected as the 2010 WNBA Rookie of the Year unanimously by a national panel of 39 sportswriters and broadcasters. Charles is also named to the 2010 All-Rookie Team that day, along with Sun forward Kelsey Griffin.

August 22, 2010 � The Sun finish the season with a 17-17 record following a 88-87 overtime loss at New York. It is the second consecutive season in which Connecticut has failed to make the playoffs.

July 10, 2010 � The Sun host WNBA vs. USA Basketball: The Stars at the Sun exhibition game at Mohegan Sun Arena between WNBA All-Stars and the USA National Team. Sun center Tina Charles and guard Renee Montgomery represented the United States in the game.

April 8, 2010 � With the No. 1 pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft, the Connecticut Sun select Tina Charles from Connecticut. The Sun also select Danielle McCray of Kansas in the first round (7th overall), Allison Hightower of LSU in the second round (15th overall) and Johannah Leedham from Franklin Pierce in the third round (27th overall). Connecticut also trades its first round pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft and Tulsa�s second round pick in 2011, received in a trade the previous day, to the Minnesota Lynx for Kelsey Griffin. Griffin was selected by the Lynx with the No. 3 pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft.

April 7, 2010 � The Sun trade guard/forward Amber Holt and center Chante Black to the Tulsa Shock for the Shock�s first round selection (7th overall) in the 2010 WNBA Draft and Tulsa�s second round selection in the 2011 WNBA Draft.

February 2, 2010 � Connecticut signs former Sacramento Monarchs guard Kara Lawson to a three-year contract.

January 27, 1010 - WNBA President Donna Orender announces that Connecticut will host the 2010 WNBA All-Star Game against the USA Women's National Team on July 10th. It is the second consecutive year that Connecticut will host the All-Star Game and the third overall.

January 12, 2010 � The Sun complete one of the biggest trades in WNBA history, sending All Star point guard Lindsay Whalen and the second overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Renee Montgomery and the No. 1 pick in 2010.

December 14, 2009 � The Connecticut Sun pick veteran Monarchs forward DeMya Walker with the third overall pick in the 2009 Dispersal Draft.

September 11, 2009 � The Sun are eliminated from the playoffs with a loss at Atlanta. It's the first time the franchise fails to earn a postseason berth since relocation.

September 1, 2009 � The Sun lose their 17th game of the season at Sacramento, meaning that for the first time since the team relocated to Connecticut prior to the 2003 season, it will not have a winning season.

July 25, 2009 � Connecticut hosts the WNBA All Star Game for the second time in its history. Asjha Jones represents the Sun on the Eastern Conference team.

June 6, 2009 � The Sun open their seventh season at home against Washington, falling 82-70 to the Mystics.

April 10, 2009 - The Sun choose Chante Black from Duke in the first round of the WNBA Draft, 10th overall. Also selected was Lyndra Littles from Virginia in the second round (17th overall) and Alba Torrens in the third round (36th overall).

February 3, 2009 � WNBA President Donna Orender announces that Connecticut will host the 2009 WNBA All-Star Game on July 25th.

October 3, 2008 � Lindsay Whalen is named to the All-WNBA First Team, finishing second in the MVP voting. She is joined by Asjha Jones, who earned All-WNBA Second Team honors and Amber Holt, who earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.

August 31, 2008 � The Sun registered their third sellout of the season in an 80-76 victory over Seattle, marking the first time that the team has filled Mohegan Sun Arena more than twice in one season. It was the 12th sellout since moving to Connecticut in 2003.

August 29, 2008 � Connecticut clinches its sixth-consecutive trip to the WNBA Playoffs with a 98-72 victory in Atlanta.

July 1, 2008 � Lindsay Whalen becomes Connecticut's all-time assist leader during an 78-68 victory over the Houston Comets.

May 17, 2008 � Connecticut opens its sixth season of play with a 100-67 victory over the expansion Atlanta Dream in Mohegan Sun Arena.

April 9, 2008 � With two picks in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft, the Sun choose Amber Holt from Middle Tennessee State (9th overall) and UConn guard Ketia Swanier (12th). Also selected was Jolene Anderson of the University of Wisconsin in the second round (23rd overall) and Lauren Ervin of the University of Arkansas in the third round (37th overall).

March 14, 2008-- The Sun trade forward Kristen Rasmussen to the Minnesota Lynx for forward Tamika Raymond as well as the option to trade second round picks in the 2009 WNBA Draft.

March 12, 2008-- The Sun announce a multi-year partnership to broadcast games throughout Connecticut on MyTV/WCTX.

March 11, 2008--Veteran guard/forward Nykesha Sales announces that she will take a one-year hiatus from WNBA play.

March 7, 2008-- The Connecticut Sun hosts the CIAC Girls Basketball Tournament Luncheon for the third consecutive year at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Conn.

March 6, 2008-- Connecticut trades guard Megan Mahoney to the Houston Comets for guard/forward Barbara Turner.

February 19, 2008-- The Sun trade veteran guard Katie Douglas to the Indiana Fever for forward Tamika Whitmore, the rights to guard Jessica Foley and the Fever's first round selection (12th overall) in the 2008 WNBA Draft.

September 5, 2007-- Katie Douglas is named to the All-WNBA Second Team.

August 24, 2007-- Katie Douglas is named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team for the third consecutive year. She is joined by Margo Dydek who earns a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team for the second straight year.

August 23, 2007-- The Sun made their fifth consecutive trip to the WNBA Playoffs.

August 19, 2007-- The Sun close out the 2007 regular season in front of a sellout crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena. It is the 10th sellout in team history.

July 26, 2007-- High School senior Rebecca Wilcox of Terryville receives the first $10,000 scholarship awarded through the Connecticut Sun Foundation.

July 22, 2007-- With an 81-79 victory over the Houston Comets, Head Coach Mike Thibault becomes the third-fastest coach in WNBA history to reach 100 career regular season wins. He achieved this milestone in 159 games.

July 15, 2007-- Katie Douglas and Asjha Jones are named as reserves for the 2007 WNBA Eastern Conference All Star team.

May 19, 2007-- The Sun open their fifth season with a victory over the Washington Mystics 89-80>

April 4, 2007--In the 2007 WNBA Draft he Sun chose Temple forward Kamesha Hairston (12th overall), French center Sandrine Gruda (13th), Georgia guard Cori Chambers (26th) and Nebraska guard Kiera Hardy (39th).

February 21, 2007--The Sun trade five-time All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Erika de Souza and the Sparks' first pick (12th overall) in the 2007 WNBA Draft.

August 30, 2006-- Sun guard Katie Douglas is named to the league's All-WNBA First Team. She becomes the first player in franchise history to receive this honor. Sun forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin is named ot the All-WNBA Second Team.

August 27, 2006--The Sun fall to the Detroit shock in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals and fail to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time in three years.

August 20, 2006-- Sun Head Coach Mike Thibault is named the 2006 WNBA Coach of the Year before a victory against the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena that advances the Sun to the Eastern Conference Finals.

August 17, 2006-- Katie Douglas is named to the 2006 WNBA All-Defensive first team. Margo Dydek is named to the second team.

August 13, 2006--The Sun set a league record for defensive rebounds in a season with 926. The previous record was 851, set by the Detroit Shock in 2003.

August 11, 2006--The Sun close out the 2006 home schedule in front of a sellout crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena. It is the eighth sellout in franchise history.

August 9, 2006--The Sun establish a team record with their 12th consecutive victory, a 71-63 win at Indiana. The 12-game winning streak is the third longest in WNBA history.

July 22, 2006-- With a win at San Antonio, the Sun clinch the Eastern Conference regular season title for the third consecutive season.

July 12, 2006-- The Sun have a record 5 players named to the East All-Star game including Nykesha Sales, Lindsay Whalen, Katie Douglas, Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Margo Dydek. The East coached by Sun Head Coach Mike Thibault are victorious in a 98-82 win. Katie Douglas took home the MVP award for the game.

July 8, 2006-- In front of a sellout crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Sun bounce back from a 17-point first half deficit to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 82-77. The sellout crowd is the seventh in Sun history.

May 20, 2006-- The Sun tip off their fourth season at home against the New York Liberty.

February 16, 2006-- Head coach Mike Thibault is named to the coaching staff of the 2006 USA Women's World Championship team that will compete for a gold medal at the FIBA Women's World Championship in September 2006 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The team will be led under the direction of head coach Anne Donovan.

September 20, 2005-- The Sun fall to Sacramento in Game 4 of the 2005 WNBA Finals.

September 14, 2005-- The Sun make their second consecutive appearance in the WNBA Finals versus the Sacramento Monarchs.

September 10, 2005--The Sun sweep the Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference Finals. This is the second consecutive conference title and third consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals for the Sun.

September 2, 2005-- Taj McWilliams-Franklin is awarded the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award prior to Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Sun win the game and sweep the Detroit Shock to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for a third straight year.

August 14, 2005-- With a home win against the Washington Mystics the Sun clinch their second straight regular season Eastern Conference title.

July 9, 2005-- The Sun host the 2005 WNBA All-Star game with Coach Mike Thibault leading the Eastern team. Nykesha Sales and Taj McWilliams-Franklin are named reserves for the Eastern Conference team.

April 16, 2005-- In a Draft Day trade, the Sun acquire Margo Dydek from the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Katie Feenstra and the Sun's first pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft.

April 13, 2005-- Sun guard Debbie Black announces her retirement from the WNBA.

October 3, 2004-- The Sun win their first Eastern Conference Championship by sweeping the NY Liberty in the second round of playoffs.

September 19, 2004 -- The Sun clinch their first ever regular season Eastern Conference title with a win at home versus the Indiana Fever.

September 12, 2004 -- The Sun announce that the 2005 WNBA All-Star game will be played at 4 pm on July 9th at the Mohegan Sun Arena and broadcast nationally on ABC.

August 5, 2004-- Sun players Nykesha Sales, Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Lindsay Whalen are named to the WNBA All-Stars team that take on the USA Basketball team in a pre-Olympic tune-up game at Radio City Music Hall.

April 17, 2004 -- The Sun draft Lindsay Whalen from Minnesotta as their first round pick. Jessica Brungo, Ugo Oha and Candace Futrell are also drafted.

March 25, 2004 -- The Sun aquire UConn standout, Asjha Jones in a three-way trade with the Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury.

January 28, 2004 -- The Sun trade four-time WNBA All Star point guard Shannon Johnson along with their second and third round picks (21 and 34, respectively)
in the 2004 WNBA Draft to San Antonio for the Silver Stars' 4th, 16th and 29th picks.

January 6, 2004 -- The Sun trade their eighth pick in the WNBA Dispersal Draft to the Houston Comets in exchange for Houston's second-round pick in the collegiate draft.

September 7, 2003 -- The Sun were eliminated from the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual WNBA champion Detroit Shock, losing 79-73 in The Palace at Auburn Hills.

August 30, 2003 -- The Sun win their first postseason series, defeating the Sting 68-62 at the Charlotte Coliseum to complete a two-game sweep.

August 28, 2003 -- The Sun win their first postseason game, defeating Charlotte 68-66 at Mohegan Sun Arena in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

August 25, 2003 -- The Sun clince the first playoff berth in their history, defeating Indiana 72-62 on the final night of the season.

July 12, 2003 -- Nykesha Sales and Shannon Johnson represent the Connecticut Sun at the WNBA All-Star Game in New York City.

June 7, 2003 � The Sun win their first regular-season home game, defeating Houston 65-58 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

June 1, 2003 � The Sun win their first-ever regular-season game, defeating San Antonio 83-64 behind 22 points from Nykesha Sales.

May 24, 2003 � The Sun host their first regular-season game, falling 82-71 to the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks before a sellout crowd of 9,341.

May 13, 2003 � The Sun win their first-ever preseason game, pulling out a 65-64 victory over the Charlotte Sting on a last-second shot by Taj McWilliams-Franklin.

May 6, 2003 � The Sun play their first-ever preseason game, losing 81-73 to the New York Liberty at Mohegan Sun Arena.

April 15, 2003 � The Sun announce individual game ticket sales and Ultimate Ticket Plan, providing fans a flexible way to purchase tickets for the inaugural season.

April 1, 2003 � The Sun announce preseason ticket sales for two exhibition games: May 6th, vs. the New York Liberty and May 15th, vs. the Houston Comets.

March 27, 2003 � The Sun reveal new logo and colors featuring a fiery orange sunburst, a WNBA basketball and a blue ribbon with four white semicircular domes, which is a modern interpretation of an ancient Mohegan symbol and represents the four corners of the earth under the sky dome. Assistant coaches Bernadette Mattox and Scott Hawk are hired.

March 7, 2003 � General Manager Chris Sienko names Mike Thibault, a 34-year coaching veteran with two NBA titles as an assistant coach/director of scouting (1980 and '82) for the Los Angeles Lakers as the first head coach for the franchise.Thibault has coached the 1995 silver medal Pan American Games team, served as head coach for the Omaha Racers, spent four years as an assistant coach under George Karl in Milwaukee, and was a scout for the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks.

February 14, 2003 � Connecticut Sun acquires former UConn star Rebecca Lobo from the Houston Comets in exchange for its second-round (23rd overall) draft pick.

January 30, 2003 � The Sun announce their 2003 regular season schedule, which includes a nationally broadcast season opener on ABC against two-time defending WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks.

January 28, 2003 -- Mohegan Sun hosts a fan festival to announce Connecticut as the new destination for the former Orlando Miracle franchise. The team will be named the Sun, a reference to the team's new owners- Mohegan Sun. This is the first franchise in league history to be owned independently.

October 21, 2002 -- Orlando Miracle announce that the team will relocate to a city to be announced for the 2003 season.

July 15, 2002 -- Shannon Johnson and Nykesha Sales represent the Orlando Miracle and Eastern Conference as reserve players in the 2002 WNBA All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.

June 8, 2002 --The Orlando Miracle and the Cleveland Rockers square off for the longest game in WNBA history. The Miracle win, 103-99, in triple overtime in a game that lasted 2 hours, 57 minutes.

April 19, 2002 � Orlando Miracle select Davalyn Cunningham from Rutgers in the second round (23rd overall) in the 2002 WNBA Draft. In the third round, Saundra Jackson, a 6'4" center from the University of Mississippi was chosen (40th overall). In the fourth round (56th overall), the Miracle picked Tomeka Brown, a 5'9" guard, from Ohio State University.
Miracle hire two assistant coaches, Vonn Read and Valerie Still. Read served as an assistant coach on the Phoenix Mercury coaching staff during the 2000 season, while Still was a member of the 2001 Washington Mystics coaching staff and played for the Mystics during the 1999 season.

April 18, 2002 � Dee Brown makes the first-ever trade in franchise history by sending the Miracle's first round selection in the 2002 WNBA Draft to the Charlotte Sting in return for Clarisse Machanguana. Machanguana averaged 5.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg last season for the Sting.

April 5, 2002 � Former Orlando Magic guard Dee Brown was named as the Miracle's new head coach/director of player personnel. Brown retired after 12 NBA seasons and served as Special Assistant to Orlando Magic Operations. The NBA veteran, who has played for Boston, Toronto and Orlando, averaged 11.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg throughout his career. In addition, he led the NBA in three-point field goals made (135) and attempted (349) in 1998-99. Brown also won the Slam Dunk Championship at the 1991 NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte.

April 3, 2002 � Miracle GM/Head Coach Carolyn Peck resigned and accepted the women's basketball head coaching position at the University of Florida. Peck served as the Miracle's GM/Head Coach since April 1, 1999 and compiled a 44-52 record over three seasons, including a trip to the 2000 WNBA Playoffs.

March 6, 2002 � Shannon Johnson was one of six athletes chosen to train with the 2002 USA Basketball Women's World Championship Team in hopes of securing one of the remaining six roster spots.

July 16, 2001 � The Orlando Miracle host the third annual WNBA All-Star Game. Nykesha Sales and Taj McWilliams-Franklin are selected as reserves for the Eastern Conference Team.

July 12, 2001 � Nykesha Sales will represent the Eastern Conference as a reserve in the WNBA All-Star Game, replacing injured player Chamique Holdsclaw.

July 11, 2001 � Taj McWilliams-Franklin was named as a reserve to the 2001 Eastern Conference All-Star team.

June 23, 2001 � Miracle Makers, the team charity for the Orlando Miracle, awarded more than $70,000 to local non-profit agencies for the first time in franchise history. Recipients of the grants included, Harbor House, Good Shepherd Services of Orlando, Inc., Center for Independence, Technology and Education and Mustard See of Central Florida, Inc.

June 20, 2001 � Adrienne Johnson was named the WNBA's first-ever Hometown Hero for her outstanding efforts in the Orlando community during the off-season. The award recognizes a WNBA player who demonstrates excellent community service.

June 17, 2001 � Miracle veterans Nykesha Sales and Taj McWilliams-Franklin both eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in the June 16 game versus Phoenix.

May 7, 2001 � Miracle guard Adrienne Johnson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in her right leg.

April 20, 2001 � Orlando Miracle select Katie Douglas from Purdue University in the first round (10th overall). Brooke Wyckoff, a 6'1" forward, from Florida State University was selected in the second round (26th overall), while Orlando picked Jaclyn Johnson from Kansas University in the third round (42nd overall). Anne Thorius from the University of Michigan was taken in the fourth round (58th overall).

March 28, 2001 � Michael Peck, younger brother of Carolyn Peck, was named as the Miracle's newest assistant coach. Prior to joining the Miracle, Peck served as the assistant women's basketball coach at Penn State University for three seasons.

January 31, 2001 � Nykesha Sales and Tracy McGrady were selected to compete in the 2ball competition at the 2001 NBA All-Star Game in Washington DC on February 9. This marks the first time Orlando has been selected to participate in the event.

January 9, 2001 � The Miracle announce their 2001 regular season schedule, which includes two national television appearances against the Indiana Fever and a rematch of last season's playoff match-up versus the Cleveland Rockers. Both games will be televised by ESPN.

October 17, 2000 � The WNBA and Miracle announce that the 2001 WNBA All-Star Game will be hosted by Orlando. Previous WNBA All-Star Games have been played at Madison Square Garden in New York and at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Carolyn Peck, Nyeksha Sales, Shannon Johnson, John Weisbrod and Paula Hanson were on hand at NBA City to unveil the logo and announce Orlando as the host city. Robin Roberts served as the MC of the press conference.

August 24, 2000 � The WNBA announced that it will conduct a post-season tour in four U.S. cities � Des Moines, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas and New Orleans, Louisiana. Miracle GM/Head Coach Carolyn Peck will coach the Eastern team while Minnesota's Brian Agler will coach the Western team. Nykesha Sales and Shannon Johnson will be among the players to compete in the post-season tour.

August 15, 2000 � The Cleveland Rockers defeat the Miracle, 72-43, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

August 11, 2000 � The Orlando Miracle win the first postseason game in franchise history, defeating the Cleveland Rockers, 62-55 at home in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

July 17, 2000 � Taj McWilliams, Shannon Johnson and Nykesha Sales are selected to represent the East in the 2000 WNBA All-Star Team in Phoenix.

April 25, 2000 � Miracle select Brazil's Cintia Dos Santos in the first round (4th overall) in the 2000 WNBA Draft. Jannon Roland, a Purdue graduate and former New England Blizzard player, was selected in the second round (20th overall) by Orlando. In the third round (36th overall), the Miracle picked Shawnetta Stewart from Rutgers University, while Romona Hamzova from the Czech Republic was selected in the fourth round (52nd overall).

January 24, 2000 � Nykesha Sales was named to serve as one of the national spokespeople for the league's national grassroots health and fitness initiative, WNBA Be Active Presented by Nike.

September 2, 1999 � Orlando Miracle guard Shannon Johnson was named to the 1999 All-WNBA Second Team along with Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw, Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie, Houston's Tina Thompson and New York's Teresa Weatherspoon.

July 14, 1999 - The first-ever WNBA All-Star Game is played at the Madison Square Garden in front of a capacity crowd of 18,649. Miracle players, Shannon Johnson, Taj McWilliams and Nykesha Sales helped the East team cut into the West team's lead. Johnson scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds while McWilliams led the East in rebounds with seven and minutes played with 31. Sales contributed with six points in 17 minutes.

July 8, 1999 � Three Orlando Miracle players, Shannon Johnson, Taj McWilliams and Nykesha Sales were selected as reserves to the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden on July 14.

June 10, 1999 � The Miracle tip-off its first-ever regular season game versus the two-time defending WNBA Champion Houston Comets.

May 11, 1999 � Charlene Thomas-Swinson was named as an assistant coach for the Miracle. Prior to joining the Miracle, Thomas-Swinson served as the head coach at St. John's University for three years.

May 4, 1999 � Orlando Miracle selected Tari Phillips from University of Central Florida in the first round (8th overall) in the 1999 WNBA Draft. In the second round, the Miracle selected Sheri Sam, a 6'1" guard/forward. With the 32nd overall pick in the third round, the Miracle picked Taj McWilliams, a 6'3" center. Carla McGhee, a 6'2" forward was taken in the fourth round. With the final pick, the Miracle selected Elaine Powell, a 5'9" guard.

May 3, 1999 � Shannon Johnson, a 5'6" guard, was allocated to the Orlando Miracle. Johnson was a member of the two-time defending American Basketball League (ABL) champion Columbus Quest. She averaged 11.0 ppg and 4.9 apg during the 1997-98 ABL season. The South Carolina graduate is a three-time All-SEC First Team selection and is ranked second in school history in points scored (2,230).

April 12, 1999 � The Miracle unveiled its new uniforms at the Magic FanAttic. On hand to help present the uniforms were Carolyn Peck, GM/Head Coach, Nykesha Sales, Mary Lou Johnston, Seminole County Player of the Year and 10 youth from Eccleston Elementary. The front of the jersey features the stylized "Miracle" name and player number while the back has player name and number. The uniform consists of micro-mesh and the dazzle material.

April 6, 1999 � In the 1999 WNBA Expansion Draft the Miracle added four more players to its roster. In the first round, the Miracle selected Andrea Congreaves, a 6'2" forward, from the Charlotte Sting. New York Liberty's Kisha Ford, a 5'10" guard, was picked up in the second round. Yolanda Moore, a 6'0" forward, from the two-time defending WNBA Champion Houston Comets was chosen in the third round. In the fourth and final round, the Miracle selected Adrienne Johnson, a 5'10" guard, from the Cleveland Rockers.

March 25, 1999 � A coin toss was held by the league to determine who would receive the option of having the first choice of an allocated player or selecting first in the WNBA Expansion Draft. The Miracle won the coin toss and elected to take the first choice of an allocated player.

December 15, 1998 - In coordination with the league office, Orlando's WNBA team has been nicknamed the "Miracle," RDV Sports announces in an unveiling ceremony at the House of Blues. Along with the name, the team also unveiled its logo, which features the stylized "Miracle" name on a star background, with an orbiting basketball and shooting star in the foreground. The logo, designed by NBA Creative Services in conjuction with RDV Sports, is highlighted by three main colors: Miracle Blue, Quick Silver and WNBA Orange.In determining the name and logo, RDV Sports and the WNBA had three main objectives: 1) To search for concepts which would appeal to both children and adults; 2) To preserve a link with the Magic, Orlando's NBA franchise; 3) To capture the spirit of the WNBA in the Orlando community and across the country. Orlando was granted the right to use the nickname "Miracle" from the Ft. Myers Miracle of baseball's Florida State League.

December 7, 1998 - Orlando WNBA General Manager/Head Coach Carolyn Peck announces that college coaching veteran Rick Stukes has been named as assistant coach with the team. Stukes last served as an assistant coach at Auburn (1994-1996).

September 22-25, 1998 - A WNBA team featuring several of the league's leading players, including Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks), Nikki McCray (Washington Mystics), Rebecca Lobo (New York Liberty) and Cynthia Cooper (Houston Comets) begin three days of training at the RDV Sportsplex in Orlando in preparation for the WNBA's upcoming Brazil Tour. Orlando's inaugural player Nykesha Sales also participates. While in Orlando, the players also visit local schools, hospitals and community centers, while also taking part in autograph sessions open to season ticket holders and general public. The autograph session at the RDV Sportsplex draws nearly 4,000 fans.

September 15, 1998 - University of Connecticut All-American and all-time leading scorer Nykesha Sales is named Orlando's inaugural WNBA player, the league announces. Says Orlando WNBA Head Coach/GM Carolyn Peck, "Nykesha is a phenomenal player and fabulous person. She knows how to win and is very versatile. Our fans will really enjoy watching her play."

August 13, 1998 - Minnie Mouse was on hand as the Walt Disney World Co. placed the 5,000th WNBA ticket deposit securing an expansion team for Orlando WNBA. To be granted a franchise, Orlando had to meet the WNBA conditions that it secure at least 5,000 season tickets by Sept. 1.

July 9, 1998 - Seattle Mariner All-Star and Orlando resident Ken Griffey, Jr. places the 4,500 WNBA ticket deposit, leaving Orlando just 500 from the conditional number of 5,000 season tickets deposits needed by Sept. 1. Says RDV Sports Senior Executive VP Pat Williams, "Junior definitely came through in the clutch as we head home in the WNBA ticket drive. He hit a grand slam for his family and our Orlando WNBA team."

July 7, 1998 - Carolyn Peck is introduced to the media, community and RDV Sports staff at a press conference. Says Peck, "One thing you will find about me is what you see is what you get. I love people. I am a people person, and I want everyone to feel a part of what we're putting together here. The one thing that is tough for me in leaving Purdue is it's a family. And I want a family here in Orlando. We'll have that."

July 6, 1998 - Carolyn Peck, who has been instrumental in winning collegiate programs at Tennessee and Purdue, is named the inaugural General Manger/Head Coach of Orlando's WNBA franchise. Peck will continue in her role as the head coach at Purdue for the 1998-99 season, before coming to Orlando full-time in April of 1999.

June 18, 1998 - As their Father's Day gift, Magic senior executive VP Pat Williams' 19 children present him with the 4,000th WNBA season ticket deposit. Orlando is now just 1,000 season tickets from meeting the league requirement of selling 5,000 season tickets by Sept. 1.

May 12, 1998 - More than 300 women attend a WNBA Community Team Luncheon at the RDV Sportsplex. The purpose of the luncheon is to discuss women in sports and the "join in" efforts to secure a WNBA team. Olympian Michelle Akers opens the affair, which also features RDV Sports Executive Vice President Cari Coats and Pat "Patricia" Williams.

May 5, 1998 - Orlando Magic guard Nick Anderson places the 2,500th Orlando WNBA season ticket deposit, marking Orlando's midway mark for season tickets needed to be granted a franchise. Anderson purchases the tickets as a Mother's Day gift for his mother, Alberta. The 2,500th deposit comes on just the ninth business day of selling tickets for yet-to-be named team.

April 24, 1998 - The eleven baby girls born at Florida Hospital on April 23 are presented with two season tickets to the WNBA in Orlando. Stuff the Magic Mascot presented the parents with a certificate, balloons and an infant T-shirt. At the conclusion of the first full day of taking $50 season ticket deposits, Orlando WNBA '99 had secured 1,068 pledges.

April 23, 1998 - Orlando WNBA '99 tips off its season ticket drive at a large scale press conference on the Magic practice court of the RDV Sportsplex. RDV Sports executives and staff and Magic players join together with their daughters on "National Bring Your Daughter To Work Day" for the festivities. The Magic also presented a pair of tickets to 111-year-old Sammie Howe, the oldest living women in Orlando.

April 22, 1998 - The WNBA announces that the league's Operating Committee votes to add two expansion teams - to be operated by the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves -- to the WNBA for the 1999 season, bringing the number of teams in the league to 12. The new teams will be granted upon the condition that they each secure pledges for at least 5,000 season tickets prior to September 1.