2007 WNBA All-Star to play for Australia in Beijing Olympics

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury forward Penny Taylor will miss a majority of the 2008 WNBA regular season, the club announced today. She will train with and represent the Australian National Team in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” said Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale, “but we had anticipated that this might happen. We wish Penny all the best this year, and hope that she might join us after the Olympic Games.”

The 6-1 forward was one of only two WNBA players (Lauren Jackson) ranked in the top 11 in points (17.8, 7^th-WNBA), rebounds (6.3, 11^th), field goal percentage (.499, 6^th) and free throw percentage (.884, 4^th) in 2007. As a strong candidate for the 2007 WNBA MVP, she recorded career highs in both points and rebounds for the second consecutive season. Taylor’s six 30-point efforts since joining the Mercury are second only to Diana Taurasi’s 11.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision and one that has taken many months to make,” said Taylor. “I am so proud to be a part of the Mercury and I am sorry that I won’t be there to help the team defend the amazing championship that we fought so hard for last season. When I left the States after winning the Championship I had to jump right into playing in Russia. Not having any time to rest and recharge has been an incredible physical and mental strain.”

Championship Saturday, the Mercury season opener, will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m. vs. the Los Angeles Sparks. Pregame will include a celebration surrounding the championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling. A limited number of lower-level tickets are still available.

Tickets for the 2008 season are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.phoenixmercury.com, by phone at 602.252.WNBA, at the US Airways Center box office and at all Ticketmaster locations.

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