SACRAMENTO, Calif. July 10, 2008 --- The Sacramento Monarchs and USA Basketball today announced that guard Kara Lawson has been named to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, which will represent the United States in the Beijing Olympics in August. She is only the third Monarchs player in franchise history to play with the Olympic Team, following two-time Olympic gold medalists Ruthie Bolton and Yolanda Griffith.

Lawson is no stranger to USA Basketball, as she played at the junior level and has been training with the U.S. Women�s National team since 2006. Last year, she was a member of the 2007 USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that competed in Valdivia, Chile, finished undefeated at 5-0, captured the gold medal and qualified the United States for the 2008 Olympics. Through the past three years with the Women�s National Team she has played in 30 games, including four starts, and is averaging 5.0 points (55.9 FG%, 33.3 3FG%, 91.7 FT%), 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

�I�ve played for 10 years with the USA Basketball program and it�s always been my goal to play with the national team,� said Lawson. �I feel this is my highest career accomplishment; having the opportunity to play in the Olympics is a dream come true and I�m thankful for the opportunity. I love representing our country and playing with the best of the best. I can�t wait to get started practicing with the team.�

�This could not have happened to a more deserving person. We�re tickled to death,� said Sacramento Monarchs General Manager John Whisenant. �Kara is an intelligent, competitive, skilled and determined player. That�s just what the 2008 U.S. Women�s Olympic Basketball Team needs.�

Through 17 games in the 2008 WNBA season, Lawson is averaging 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 25.5 minutes per game.

Currently in her sixth season, the 2007 WNBA All-Star has played in 177 games and is averaging 8.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 22.9 minutes per game for her WNBA career.

�We couldn�t be more proud of Kara,� added Monarchs Head Coach Jenny Boucek. �She represents what this franchise is all about: heart, work ethic, team, sacrifice, character and competiveness.�

The WNBA will take an Olympic break from July 28-August 23, 2008, to allow for WNBA players to compete for their respective National Teams at the 2008 Summer Olympics. During this break, remaining members of the Monarchs will be in Sacramento and take part in various activities. Please visit the team Web Site www.SacramentoMonarchs.com for more information on Monarchs activities during the Olympic break.

Lawson and her teammates will be in action tonight against Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks at 6 p.m. at ARCO Arena.

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