HONOLULU - Former University of Hawai`i women's basketball standout Tanya Smith has signed a professional contract with the Townsville Fire, of the WNBL, Australia's version of the WNBA.

Smith signed a one-year contract with the Fire, who competes in Australia's highest level of professional basketball.

The Sydney, Australia native was the team-leader the past two seasons at UH, averaging a double-double and notching her name in the record books. She was a two-time All-WAC selection and earned four WAC Player of the Week honors in her career.

"I'm excited to start my professional career after a great experience at UH," Smith said via email. "It's an unbelievable opportunity to play in my home country and at the highest level."

Townsville general manager Tony Wade said he was pleased to have Smith on board.

"Our side has always had the potential to improve and I think we've added extra depth by signing Tanya," Wade said. "Last year we had too many inexperienced players and not a lot of height and that's no reflection on any of the players. But Tanya's athleticism and her enthusiasm are going to be a huge benefit to us."

In 2007, Smith was also part of the Australian gold medal-winning team at the World University Games.

Smith not only signed a professional contract last week, but while playing in professional winter league (SEABL), Smith was named the Player of the Week. Smith has been playing with the Knox Ford Raiders, while waiting for the WNBL season to begin in last August. Smith recorded a 20-point, 21-rebound game in a victory which helped earn the honor.

-UH-