MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Lynx today announced the signing of unrestricted free agent guard Anna DeForge. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are very excited that Anna chose to continue her career here with the Minnesota Lynx," said Minnesota Lynx Chief Operating Officer Roger Griffith. "Last year, we worked hard to bring in a core of young and talented players. Signing Anna is the first step in our plans to add quality veteran leadership into the mix with our young players. Anna is a career double-figure scorer, but it is her work ethic and her commitment both on and off the court that will serve as the best example of what it takes to be successful for our young players. We are committed to building a championship contender here in Minnesota. Anna will play a key role in our success in 2008, which we expect will include a return to the WNBA Playoffs."

The Niagara, Wisc., native will play in her seventh WNBA season in 2008. In her six previous seasons in the WNBA, DeForge has averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while playing her rookie season with the Detroit Shock (2000), three seasons with the Phoenix Mercury (2003-2005), and the last two seasons with the Indiana Fever.

"I am excited to be joining the Minnesota Lynx organization, and I hope to have the opportunity to finish my career here, just a few hours away from my hometown," DeForge said. "I am looking forward to working with Coach Zierden, as well as another opportunity to work with Coach Julie Plank again here with the Lynx after two seasons of learning from her in Indiana. I cannot wait to get on the court with our young talent as we strive to return the Lynx to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The goal for me every season is to win a WNBA Championship, and I am coming to the Lynx to help bring the trophy home to Minnesota."

DeForge, who will turn 32 on April 14, adds veteran leadership that will be vital to a Lynx roster that featured four rookie guards in 2007 and just five players with playoff experience.

"We are very, very excited to add someone with the ability and experience of Anna DeForge," said Lynx Head Coach Don Zierden. "We think it is a big step for this organization. We look forward to watching her scoring ability on display in a Lynx uniform in 2008, as well as the teaching that she will provide all of our young players. We are certain that our fans are going to be very excited with this free-agent signing."

In her two seasons in Indiana, DeForge helped guide the Fever to two straight appearances in the WNBA Playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007. In the first round of the 2007 Playoffs against the Connecticut Sun, DeForge averaged 25.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in the series won in three games by the Fever.

"Anna DeForge is a huge signing for our organization in Minnesota," said Lynx Assistant Coach Julie Plank. "She is a great shooter, one of the very best in the WNBA from beyond the arc. Her work ethic, basketball IQ, and competitive drive will be a great addition to our young nucleus. Anna is an experienced veteran who has had tremendous success, not only in the WNBA, but overseas in Poland as well. I am so excited to be coaching Anna again after spending the last two seasons with her in Indiana. She works extremely hard at her game, and she was very instrumental in our playoff runs in each of the last two seasons. I know our staff and players will love what she brings to the Minnesota Lynx organization."

The Minnesota Lynx will open their 10th Anniversary Season on May 18, 2008, against the Detroit Shock. Season and group tickets are on sale now for this historic season. Be a part of the celebration by calling 612-673-8400, e-mailing tickets@lynxbasketball.com or visiting www.lynxbasketball.com.