"It is exciting that it finally came true," said Torres. "I never really thought about realistically playing in the WNBA until this year. During the season I started to see the difference in my level of play compared to last year. I was hoping that this would happen at that point. It was something I wanted but didn't want to look too far ahead."

A member of the 1997 Colombian National Team that captured the South American Championship, the 6-4 Torres played two seasons for Florida State where she averaged 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game as a senior. In two seasons at Chipola Junior College, she averaged 20.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game.

Torres joins a team that is loaded with talent in the paint. In addition to veterans Marlies Askamp and Jamie Cassidy, the Sol selected heralded center Ruth Riley from Notre Dame with the fifth overall pick in the draft.

"I am very excited but I know that I can't just think that I made the team because I was drafted. There are a lot of challenges ahead and I have to work very hard to make the team," said Torres.

Being selected by Miami -- considered the nation's gateway to Latin America -- was a plus for the Spanish speaker who was born and raised in her native Colombia.

"Whenever anybody asked me what team I would want to play for I always said Miami. When I found out Miami had drafted me I couldn't believe it," she said.