May 5, 2003

MILWAUKEE - It appears as if the rest of the women's college basketball world is finding out what many in the Midwest already know, Maria Viall is a heck of a player. Viall, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, was recently recognized by womenscollegehoops.com as a First-Team member of its Underrated All-America squad. The website notes three underrated All-America squads to go with its three regular and honorable mention teams.

"Maria proved herself versus some quality competition all year long and she put up some very good numbers in doing so," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "It's nice to see her recognized as one of the top players in the country."

Viall, a 6-3 center, led UWM in scoring and rebounding in 2002-03 while posting a double-double, 18.1 points and 10.3 rebounds, on the season. The Waukesha, Wis.-native led the Horizon League in blocked shots (53) and field goal shooting (.573) while finishing second and third in the league rebounding and scoring races, respectively. A First-Team All-Horizon League Player for the second straight year, Viall was named the 2001-02 League Player of the Year following her sophomore campaign.

"This honor is something Maria can build on next year and hopefully she can take the next step and become an All-American," noted Botham. "She's working very hard this offseason and wants to make that dream a reality."

Despite just finishing her junior season, Viall already has her name etched throughout the UWM women's basketball record books. No. 24 is currently second all-time in blocked shots with 131, fifth in scoring (1,338), sixth in rebounding (656), and first in field goal percentage (.551).

Viall was joined on the All-Underrated First-Team by Erin Thorn of BYU, Maria Villarroel of Oklahoma, Arkansas' Shamkea Christon and Aiysha Smith of LSU. Viall, the only Horizon League member to make any of the first three-teams, was joined by Wright State's Tiffany Webb, who was named to the Honorable Mention squad.