Sparks Acquire Marissa Coleman in Trade with Washington

The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired guard/forward Marissa Coleman from the Washington Mystics in exchange for guard Noelle Quinn, Sparks Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced Wednesday.

Drafted No. 2 overall by the Mystics in 2009 from the University of Maryland, the 6’1” Coleman ranked 11th in the WNBA last season with 51 three-pointers made while starting 28 of 34 contests. Her single-game career highs of 21 points and 12 rebounds were also set during the 2011 campaign. The Cheltenham, Md., native has averaged 7.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists over her three-year WNBA career, and helped the Mystics earn a share of the 2010 Eastern Conference regular season title.

“We’re happy to welcome Marissa to our Sparks family,” Head Coach Carol Ross said. “To add a player of Marissa’s caliber on the wing – with her ability to shoot and rebound and compete – is something we’re excited about. It’s a positive step as we continue to move the Sparks forward.”

The move reunites Coleman with Sparks guard Kristi Toliver, her teammate at Maryland for four seasons. As freshmen in 2005-06, the duo helped lead the Terrapins to an NCAA Championship. Toliver was selected No. 3 overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft by Chicago, one spot behind Coleman. A three-time AP All-American, Coleman is the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 400 assists, 200 steals and 100 blocks.

"I am extremely excited about joining the LA Sparks. The team has a plan in place to build on its history of success. I can't wait to play with some of the best players in the league and compete for a WNBA Championship," said Coleman. "Being able to play with Kristi again is exciting. She and I accomplished some really great things together at Maryland, and we play really well together. We seem to always know where the other one is on the court."

The Sparks will tip-off the 2012 season Friday, May 18 at the Seattle Storm before the same two teams do battle at STAPLES Center on Sunday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. For group and season ticket information, call 877-44-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com.