Women's Hoops Blog

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her first year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"

Email| Subscribe|Blog Home

April 8, 2009 11:54 AM

Former Washington standout Kristen O'Neill returns

Posted by Jayda Evans

Deep Storm reserve Kristen O'Neill returned from Ireland with honors. The former Washington standout was named 2008-09 Women's Superleague Overseas Player of the Year. It's selected by the other teams competing in the league and media, according to a team spokesman. O'Neill, who played for UL Aughinish, was the league's leading scorer (25.4).

UL Aughinish was defeated in the semifinals in March. While in Ireland, O'Neill also coached youth teams.

She returned to the Seattle area and is preparing for training camp. The Storm has nine players under contract and is hopeful to re-sign two-time MVP Lauren Jackson. Assuming the contracted players are retained, that leaves everyone else, including a draft pick, to fight for one slot on the roster.

Last season, O'Neill was signed to a host of seven-day contracts and even spent time as a practice player to remain in Seattle. Pictured right (by Phil Deegan) accepting her award from coach Des O'Sullivan, she appeared in 11 Storm games, averaging 2.8 minutes.

Digg | Newsvine