Memphis Women's Basketball Adds Final Player to 2002-03 Roster

MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis women's basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis announced today the signing of Jordie Soso to a National Letter of Intent for the 2002-03 season. Soso had signed her paperwork more than a week ago, but the announcement was delayed because her mother, who lives in Australia, had to sign the NLI as well.

Soso, a 6-2 post, joins the squad from Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Florida. Soso played one year at Okaloosa, averaging 11.0 points and 6.6 rebounds a game. She also totaled 42 steals and 34 blocks as a sophomore for the Lady Raiders, and was named to the all-Panhandle Conference first-team. During the season, she was also named to the Florida State all-tournament team.

"Jordie will add another dimension to our post game," said McNelis. "She can score facing the basket, and with her back to the basket. She will fill a much-needed role in our program to enable us to be successful."

Soso, who is originally from Melbourne, Australia, prepped at Savannah (GA) Country Day where she was an exchange student. She helped lead Savannah Country Day to a 29-4 record and a 1-A state championship in 2000 after leading her 6th-ranked Hornets with 18 points and 13 rebounds in a title-game upset of Turner County.

"I chose the University of Memphis because of the community support," said Soso. "There is a real family atmosphere, which is very appealing to an international student. The city of Memphis has a lot of career opportunities, and athletics in Memphis is taken very seriously. The women's basketball program has a great history, and I look forward to being a part of the great future."

Soso is the second international player to sign with the Lady Tigers in the last two years, joining New Zealander Kalara McFadyen. Soso has a strong basketball background, having played on both the Under-16 Australian Championship team and the Under-18 Australian National Championship squad.