COKER SIGNED BY L.A. SPARKS

The Los Angeles Sparks have signed free agent forward Monique Coker, a former basketball player at Old Dominion University, the team announced recently.

Coker was initially signed by the Sparks as a free agent to the training camp roster on April 19. She remained with the team throughout training camp and was the final player waived on May 19 prior to the league mandated roster cut-down.

"Monique is a versatile player and is familiar with our team," said General Manager Penny Toler. "She's an aggressive defender and has a nice outside shot, which strengthens us even more on the perimeter."

Coker, a 6-1 forward, averaged 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 34 games as a senior. She was ranked second in the CAA in rebounding (8.7) and eighth in blocked shots (24). Coker was also named Second-Team All-CAA as well as CAA Tournament MVP. In addition, Coker finished third on the team and fourth in the conference in field goal percentage at a .514 mark.

The Sparks resume the 2004 WNBA season on Wednesday, Sept. 1, versus the San Antonio Silver Stars.