McLean to Play Professionally in Poland

Former Iona College women's basketball powerhouse Anna McLean has been signed to play for Polish professional team Utex Row Rybnik out of Rybnik, Poland. McLean graduated as Iona's all-time leader in blocks (185) and games played (128). She was a two-time All-MAAC selection, being named to the Second Team in 2008 and the Third Team in 2010.

"I am very proud of Anna," expressed Gael head coach Anthony Bozzella. "All of her hard work over the years has paid off, and I know she will have success as she continues her basketball career."

The Polish league is one of the best leagues in Europe along with countries such as Russia, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Israel, and France. Utex Row Rybnik played its first game of the year on October 2 and the regular season continues through March 12. Other notable Americans playing in Poland this season are Jane Morris, first round draft pick for the Indiana Fever; Monica Wright, first round draft pick and second pick overall for the Washington Mystics; Janell Burse, center for the Seattle Storm; and Nicole Powell, first round draft pick in 2004 and a starter for the NY Liberty.

McLean is the newest in a long list of Iona athletes to play professionally and the fourth in recent years. Also going on to play in Europe were Jessica Smith '08 (Denmark) and Polina Hadjiyankova '08. Martina Weber '07, who signed with the New York Liberty, is the only player in MAAC history to join the WNBA.