NEW YORK, N.Y. [May 7] – The New York Liberty, through a sign-and-trade deal, has acquired guard Leilani Mitchell from the Phoenix Mercury for the 2008 WNBA season, it was announced today by team president and general manager Carol Blazejowski. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. The Mercury will receive New York’s third round pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft.

Mitchell was selected by Phoenix as the 25th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft from the University of Utah. The 5-5 guard completed her Utes career averaging 17.1 ppg, 5.8 apg and 3.7 spg. After transferring from Idaho, Mitchell helped lead Utah to a 27-5 record and a NCAA Tournament bid this past spring. Throughout her collegiate career, she was honored as an honorable mention All-American by The Associated Press and WBCA.

New York’s season will open on Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 p.m. against the Connecticut Sun in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd. Individual game tickets are on sale now by clicking here, visiting The Garden Box Office, calling (877) WNBA-TIX or stopping by any Ticketmaster outlet. Liberty ticket plans start at just three games, call 212-465-6073 to purchase. Group ticket orders of 20 or more can be purchased by calling 212-465-6080.