Ortiz, Pierre-Louis Ink WNBA Training Camp Deals

NORMAN – Oklahoma women's basketball's Gabbi Ortiz and Vionise Pierre-Louis will begin their professional careers this week after signing training camp contracts, the WNBA announced Wednesday.

Ortiz has signed with the Los Angeles Sparks for their upcoming training camp, while Pierre-Louis inked a deal with the defending WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx.

One of the most prolific 3-point shooters in school history, Ortiz averaged a career-best 12.4 points per game during her season. The Racine, Wis., native posted a .385 3-point shooting percentage and led the Sooners with 84 3-pointers.

“I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to go to Los Angeles,” Ortiz said. “I'm excited to get to work and learn as much as I can from some of the best players in the world.”

Ortiz finished her career third in school history in 3-point field goals made and attempted. She also earned 120 starts, the eighth-most by a Sooner in program history and appeared in 131 games. Ortiz was selected to the 2018 All-Big 12 Second Team and was the 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

Pierre-Louis led the Sooners with 15.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game during the 2017-18 season. As a senior, Pierre-Louis posted a .611 field goal percentage, the fourth-best mark in school single-season history.

“I'm excited for the opportunity with the Minnesota Lynx and to compete against some of the most talented players in the WNBA,” Pierre-Louis said. “I want to thank those who have supported me on my journey and I'm ready for training camp to start this weekend.”

A 2018 All-Big 12 First Team selection, Pierre-Louis finished her career third in program history in blocked shots, fourth in field goal percentage, 10th in free throws made and 19th in scoring. Pierre-Louis joined Courtney Paris as the only two players in school history to score 1,300 points, record 800 rebounds and log 200 blocks during their collegiate careers.

Pierre-Louis will be joined on Minnesota's roster by former OU point guard Danielle Robinson, who was traded to the Lynx in the offseason from the Phoenix Suns.

Minnesota begins its preseason schedule on May 6 in Des Moines, Iowa, against the Washington Mystics. Los Angeles opens preseason play on May 7 versus the Connecticut Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

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