June 4, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s basketball assistant coach Wendy Palmer announced her resignation to accept the assistant coach position at Virginia, her alma mater, head Coach Matthew Mitchell announced Thursday.

Palmer was with the Wildcats for two seasons and was responsible for coaching the post players.

“We have enjoyed having Wendy on our staff at Kentucky,” Mitchell said. “She has made contributions to our program that we are appreciative of. We wish her well as she returns to her alma mater to continue her coaching career.”

Prior to UK, Palmer coached two seasons at Virginia Commonwealth while also playing in the WNBA. She was selected by the WNBA’s Utah Starzz in the second round of the 1997 Elite Draft and also spent time with the Detroit Shock, Orlando Miracle, Connecticut Sun, San Antonio Silver Stars and the Seattle Storm.

In 11 seasons, she averaged 10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, including 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in five playoff games.

Palmer is a 1996 graduate of Virginia and was a two-time Kodak All-American in 1995 and 1996. She became the first women’s player in Virginia history to record more than 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds and still holds the all-time record for career rebounds (1,221).

Palmer was a three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team selection and was the third player in league history to be named ACC Player of the Year twice.