April 22, 2010
CHICAGO -
Former Illinois State guard Kristi Cirone has signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Sky of the WNBA. Cirone, a native of Chicago, will participate in the Sky's preseason camp, which begins Sunday.
"This opportunity is a dream come true. I am excited for the chance to play at home in front of my family," Cirone said. "After this year's draft and free agent signing period, I didn't expect to have an offer and thought my dream of playing in the WNBA was over. I am really looking forward to this opportunity and feel a new excitement for basketball. I know it is going to be hard and I will have to compete against great players, but I am up for the challenge."
Cirone had a similar situation with the Connecticut Sun last season, making the 11-player roster as a free agent and playing in four games before she was waived. She was the first Illinois State alum to play in the WNBA.
Cirone is Illinois State's all-time leader in scoring (2,139), three-point field goals made (229) and attempted (613), free throws made (512) and attempted (655), assists (681) and assists per game (5.3). Only the second player to be named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year three times, she is third all-time in the Valley in scoring and second in assists.
Chicago was 16-18 last season, finishing in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Sky will have 15 players in its preseason camp, including eight returners from the 2009 season. The WNBA roster limit is 11 players. Chicago plays four preseason games, two at Chicago's All State Arena, and opens the 2010 regular season May 15 at Connecticut.
