Smith

Washington Mystics General Manager Linda Hargrove announced today that Forward Aiysha Smith has chosen to take a leave of absence and will miss the 2005 season to spend time with her family. The Mystics will retain her rights. Smith was selected by Washington in the first round of the 2003 WNBA Draft (seventh overall).

"We wish Aiysha the best," said Hargrove. “She has been an important part of our team for the last two seasons and we will miss her upbeat personality.”

In two seasons with the Mystics, Smith averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.20 rpg. During the team’s 2004 playoff run, she recorded 5.0 ppg and 2.70 rpg. She attended Louisiana State University and led the Tigers to the 2003 SEC Championship.

Prior to attending LSU, she played for St. John’s University during the 1999-2000 season and attended Tyler Junior College during the 2000-2001 season. Smith was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2002, and received an All-SEC honorable mention in 2003.

“I would like to thank the Mystics organization, Linda and the coaching staff for their understanding,” said Smith. “I enjoyed playing in Washington in front of the best fans in the WNBA. I will miss my teammates and I wish them the best.”