Thanks for the Memories

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New York, NY - February 9, 2006 - Today, with a sad heart, the Liberty bids a fond farewell to Vickie Johnson, as she returns to the state that she calls home - Texas - and begins the next stage of her illustrious WNBA career in San Antonio. VJ has been a member of the Liberty since the team was born and we will always be grateful for the impact she made both on and off the court in New York.

"As such an important part of the nine-year history of the New York Liberty, it was our hope that free agent Vickie Johnson would choose to remain a part of the team's future," said Liberty Senior Vice President and General Manager Carol Blazejowski. "We made it clear to Vickie that we wanted her to remain with the team, and finish her outstanding WNBA career in New York, where it all began. However, as a free agent, Vickie has made the decision to pursue another opportunity and we wish her the very best."

VJ truly made her mark over the past nine years - on the Liberty, on the WNBA and on the fans of New York.

It all started on February 27, 1997, when VJ was selected by the Liberty with the 12th pick in the WNBA Elite Draft. Over the next nine seasons, she would go on to become the most prolific player to ever wear a Liberty uniform. Here is a look at her exemplary career in a nutshell:

  • Ranks first in the Liberty's all-time records in virtually every category: games played (282), minutes played (8,950), points scored (3,246), field goals made and attempted (1,244/2,855), free throws made and attempted (537/656) and rebounds (1,053)

  • Is a two-time WNBA All-Star (1999, 2001)

  • After the 2005 season, was one of just eight players to remain from the WNBA's inaugural season

  • Has played the most minutes and in the most games of any player in the history of the league

  • Last season recorded both her 3,000th career point and 1,000th career rebound - one of just seven players ever in the WNBA to have done both

  • Finishes her Liberty career having averaged 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 31.7 minutes per regular season game.

    It has been our privilege to have watched, along with the fans of New York, VJ accomplish these outstanding feats with class, grace and humility. We thank VJ for her tremendous contributions with the Liberty, and wish her great success both personally and professionally.

    Fans, you will have your own chance to thank Vickie Johnson for nine years of memories. The San Antonio Silver Stars will play at The Garden on June 30, so join us then in welcoming VJ back to New York the way only true Liberty fans can do.