April 27, 2000

MILWAUKEE- Charlene Smith, a senior at Proviso West High School in Hillside, Ill., has signed a National Letter of Intent to play women's basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, coach Sandy Botham announced today.

Smith joins Waukesha North standout Maria Viall as Botham's two freshmen recruits for the 2000-2001 season.

Smith is a 5-8 guard that can score, as well as rebound and defend. She chose to play for UWM over DePaul.

As a senior, she averaged 16.3 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 5.1 steals per game and 3.2 assists per game. She is a two-time team MVP and an All-Conference, All-Area, All-Regional and All-State honorable mention selection. Additionally, she was invited to the HoopSmart USA Hawaii Classic and earned MVP honors by averaging 19.0 points per game.

"We are absolutely thrilled Charlene has decided to become a Panther," said Botham. "She brings a significant amount of athleticism to the guard position. She is explosive to the rim on penetration and has the leaping ability to be a major presence on the boards. She also possesses the quickness and the mentality of a defensive stopper.

"She is just touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maximizing her potential," Botham added. "As she improves during the next four years, Panther fans will see some very good basketball from Charlene."