SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Silver Stars have signed two-time Australian Olympic silver medalist Belinda Snell to a free agent contract, said head coach and General Manager Dan Hughes. Per team policy terms of the deal have not been released.

The 5-9 guard spent three seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, appearing in 80 games and averaging 3.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. She played in eight playoff games during the Mercury’s run to their 2007 WNBA title, then missed the 2008 WNBA season to train with the Australian national team for the Beijing Olympics.

“We are pleased to have Snelly in San Antonio,” said Hughes. “She has a skilled perimeter game and a tough-minded approach. Her game has continued to evolve in the Olympics and in her play in Russia. We are anxious to have her join us in San Antonio.”

Snell currently plays for Dynamo Moscow where she has averaged 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in EuroCup play. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics she helped guide Australia to a silver medal, tallying 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists against China, then picking up 15 points against the heavily favored USA squad in the Gold Medal game. Throughout the Olympic tournament, Snell averaged 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

The Silver Stars open the 2009 season June 6 at Phoenix before hosting New York on June 13 at the AT&T Center. Affordable full and partial season ticket plans are on sale now. Visit www.sasilverstars.com or call (210) 444.5090 for more information.