May 13, 2003

MILWAUKEE - Jessica Wilhite, the most prolific three-point shooter in Horizon League history, is taking her game overseas. Wilhite, who just finished her four year run at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, will join nine other United States collegiate stars in a five-game exposure tour versus the Japanese National Team May 19th-May 25th. The trip will give Wilhite a chance to showcase her skills to the numerous professional teams both overseas and in the United States.

"This is just an excellent opportunity for Jessica," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "I know she really turned a lot of heads at the WNBA exposure camp so this comes as a result of that. Not only did she impress with her talent, but I also think her work ethic, attitude, and intangibles were impressive."

The 5-9 guard will face the Japanese squad at five different spots in and around Tokyo. The team, which is run by the U.S. Basketball Academy, is coached by current Oregon State University head coach and former Japanese League professional player Judy Spoelstra. In addition to Wilhite, the U.S. squad will feature Oregon State standout Kristina Rukstelyte, Leah Combs of Arizona State, and Laine Selwyn of Pittsburgh.

"To have the opportunity to play in Japan versus the National Team is awesome," noted Botham. "Jess has always set her sights on continuing her playing career after college and this will help her to do that. She is the first UWM player to get this opportunity and hopefully she will be the first of many."

Wilhite finished her UWM career as the school's and league's all-time three point leader with 278 career triples. Furthermore, the 5-9 shooting guard graduates as the school's premier free throw shooter (.798) while ranking third on UWM's scoring list with 1,471 points.