Paris OU's First 3-Time All-American

April 5, 2008

TAMPA, Florida -- Courtney Paris became the University of Oklahoma's first three-time consensus All-American with the presentation of the 34th State Farm Coaches' All-America Team by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

The announcement of the team was made Saturday morning at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Tampa, just steps from the site of the Women's Final Four.

"I have to echo the sentiments of all the women on this team," Paris said, "that it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this very special, very exclusive group.

"Being an All-American is an individual honor, but you don't get to be one without great teammates, great coaches and a great family and a lot of hard work."

The presentation of the All-Americans truly had an Oklahoma flavor as former Sooner All-American Stacey Dales emceed the event. Also present were OU head coach and WBCA president Sherri Coale and incoming freshman Whitney Hand, who will play in Saturday's WBCA High School All-America Game Saturday afternoon.

Paris led the nation in rebounding and was among the top 25 Division I players in scoring, blocks and field goal percentage.

Paris was joined on the 10-member All-America team by LSU's Sylvia Fowles, Maryland's Crystal Langhorne and Kristi Toliver, North Carolina's Erlana Larkins, Louisville's Angel McCoughtry, Connecticut's Renee Montgomery and Maya Moore, Tennessee's Candace Parker and Stanford's Candice Wiggins.

"These 10 student-athletes have truly stood above the rest this season and deserve to be named State Farm Coaches' All-Americans," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "The talent and level of play being produced by these young women is outstanding. On behalf of the WBCA, I would like to congratulate them all on a tremendous season."

Wiggins was named the State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year, considered the Heisman Trophy of women's college basketball.

Only Paris and Dales (2001 and 2002) have represented the University of Oklahoma as first-team WBCA All-Americans. Dionnah Jackson (2005), LaNeisha Caufield (2002) and Phylesha Whaley (2000) were honorable mentions to the coaches' team.

Paris was also named to All-America teams by the Associated Press, Wooden Award Committee, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com and CBSSports.com.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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