The University of Mobile (UM) women’s basketball program made history April 22 when Edmarie Lumbsley was picked up by the Utah Starzz in the third round of the WNBA draft.
Lumbsley, a 6-foot-6 center from Kingston, Jamaica, transferred from Tallahassee Community College before playing the past two years at UM.
This past season at UM Lumbsley led the Rams to the NAIA National Tournament where they made it to the “Sweet 16” for the first time in school history.
Outstanding player
This year Lumbsley was named NAIA All-American and was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
While at UM she averaged 15.2 points per game, had 581 rebounds, shot 59 percent from the field, and scored 941 points.
She also set two new school records with a game high of 37 points and a two-year total of 188 blocks.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Lumbsley. “First, I’d like to thank God, then my mother. I would also like to thank my coach for believing in me, going to the pre-draft camp with me, and taking a chance with me,” she said. “I want to thank all my teammates who were praying for me, as well.”
UM Coach Martha Gore-Algernon said this is a great opportunity for Lumbsley.
“Edmarie deserves it. She’s worked very hard,” Gore-Algernon said. “It’s great for our school and our community.”
Gore-Algernon added that the move also sends a message to players and coaches at smaller colleges and universities.
“A small school can offer you the opportunities that make it possible for you to go on and play at the professional level,” she said.
Lumbsley is the first basketball player from UM to make a professional team and the only NAIA player chosen in this year’s draft. She was the 43rd pick of the draft.
(UM)
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