Green Bay's Julie Wojta Picked #18 in WNBA Draft by Minnesota
By: Nick Goddard
Updated: April 16, 2012
BRISTOL, Conn. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - After a storied career with the Phoenix, Green Bay women's basketball senior Julie Wojta (Francis Creek, Wis.) saw her dreams become a reality as the All-American was selected as the 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the WNBA Draft held Monday, April 16 at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Conn.
"I'm just excited for the opportunity and I am excited to work hard and show I have something to offer to a team," said Wojta about her opportunity to make the Lynx roster. "I am going to showcase as much as I can and work as hard as I can."
Wojta becomes the first player in the 39-year history of Green Bay women's basketball program to be drafted in the WNBA. Wojta was one of 15 players invited to attend the WNBA Draft festivities held at ESPN Headquarters which included three days of player orientation.
During her senior campaign with the Phoenix, Wojta also became the first player in Phoenix history to be named an AP Second Team All-American since joining Division I, a John Wooden All-American, Naismith Finalist and Wade Watch Finalist. To learn more about Wojta, her career at Green Bay, and watch highlights, click here.
Wojta will likely transition from her college position of forward, to her high school position of a guard when competing for a roster spot with the Lynx. One thing that will remain the same is her competitive nature.
"I'm excited about the transition from a forward to a guard position; I'm a guard at heart and that's the position I played throughout high school," Wojta said. "I've been working on developing my jump shot and working on my ball handling skills."
Wojta will join some familiar faces when she arrives at the Minnesota Lynx training facilities as former University of Virginia star Monica Wright enters her second season with the Lynx. Wojta and the Phoenix beat Wright and the Cavaliers in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. UConn's all-time leading scorer and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Maya Moore, will begin her second professional season with Wotja's new team.
Green Bay is the lone Horizon League team to have players that have suited up for the WNBA. Chandra Johnson, who played for the Phoenix from 2000-03, appeared in eight games for the Los Angeles Sparks after signing as a free agent in 2003. Natalie Berglin, who was a member of the Phoenix from 2004-07, signed a training camp contract with the Connecticut Sun in 2008.
"This is a very memorable day for the players, Julie and the University," said new Green Bay head coach Kevin Borseth who begins his second stint as the leader of the Phoenix and recruited Johnson, Berglin and Wojta. "To have someone selected in the WNBA Draft is absolutely amazing. I don't think anybody can be more proud of Julie than we are."
