July 8, 1998

Lexington, Ky. – Shantia Owens, a 6-4 center from Trinity Valley Junior College in Athens, Texas, has signed to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, women’s coach Bernadette Mattox announced Monday.

Owens, a native of Newark, N. J., transferred to Trinity Valley in the fall of 1997 from Okalossa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Fla. In her one season at TVJC, Owens averaged 11.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. She helped lead her team to its fifth straight junior college championship appearance. Trinity Valley won the 1994, 1996 and 1997 Junior College Championships, while finishing as runner-up in 1995 and 1998.

“We are ecstatic to have Shantia at Kentucky. She is a legitimate 6-4 post player who is very athletic,” Mattox said. “She will provide size, inside scoring and shot-blocking ability to our team.”

Owens chose Kentucky over Western Kentucky, Clemson and UNC-Charlotte. She will have two years of eligibility.