Friday, September 04, 2009

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 4, 2009) - When former Lady Buccaneer sharpshooter Michele DeVault (Columbus, Ohio) stepped off the court for the final time in an ETSU uniform at the 2008 NCAA Tournament, she knew it wouldn't be the last time she would lace up her sneakers.

On Monday morning ETSU's all-time three-point shooter will revive her basketball career when she boards a flight over the Atlantic to play in the Iceland-Express League for team U.M.F. Grindavik.

"I am very excited to be given this opportunity to continue playing the game I love and have a passion for," said DeVault, over the phone in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. "This league is very competitive, and I can't wait to meet my new teammates."

DeVault's senior season was a memorable one for the Lady Buccaneer star, as she helped guide ETSU to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007-08. During that campaign DeVault reached numerous milestones - such as joining the prestigious 1000-point club with her deep trey against Gardner-Webb on Jan. 12 inside Memorial Center. The versatile player currently sits ninth all-time on ETSU's scoring charts with 1263 points, but it was her program-best 85 treys that helped lift the Lady Bucs into the Big Dance for the first time ever. In total, the native of Columbus, Ohio sank 239 treys - which are 63 better than her former teammate B.J. Banjo (2002-06).

Before continuing a career path in basketball, DeVault knew she needed to complete her degree in Elementary Education. DeVault finished her student-teaching assignment in the fall of 2008, and graduated that winter before heading out to Palm Springs, Calif. to become a Fitness Trainer. However, after spending a few months out west, DeVault knew she wanted to make the switch to basketball.

"After I finished playing at ETSU a few teams contacted me, but I knew it was important to finish my student-teaching and graduating first," added DeVault. "I held on to the teams' contact information, and when I realized fitness training wasn't for me, I gave the coaches a call to see if they had any spots open."

Ironically, it was another former Lady Buccaneer who had a hand in helping DeVault land the gig in Iceland, as Jessica Lonon (2001-04) has been playing overseas since finishing her career at ETSU. This past season Lonon played for team AABYHOJ in Denmark.

"Jessica played a big part in helping me land with this team in Iceland," said DeVault. "I knew she was playing over in Denmark, so when I got in touch with her she gave some teams to get in contact with. From there the coach from Grindavik saw some video and offered me a spot."

The Iceland-Express league begins its 9-month schedule in mid-October. Team U.M.F. Grindavik finished 8-12 a year ago, but they won the Icelandic Cup in 2007-08.

"I am very happy Michele has been given the chance to continue her basketball career," added head ETSU women's basketball coach Karen Kemp, who has now guided six Lady Buccaneer student-athletes to professional playing careers overseas. "Michele is a very talented basketball player, and she has meant so much to this program. I wish her the best of luck in Iceland."

For more updates on Lady Buccaneer basketball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.