LOS ANGELES, CA – February 6, 2018 – Penny Toler, Los Angeles Sparks’ Executive Vice President and General Manager, today announced the signing of Jolene Anderson and Saicha Grant-Allen to a training camp contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Jolene has continued to develop her skills overseas,” said Penny Toler, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the LA Sparks. “I‘ve watched her improve over the last couple years into a complete player that can really stretch the defense.”
A 5-foot-8 shooting guard, Anderson was the 23rd pick in the second round of the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun and is currently playing overseas for Familia Schio, a top team in Italy, averaging 12.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG and 2.8 APG. A seasoned European vet, Anderson played college ball at the University of Wisconsin where she holds the all-time leading scorer record with 2,312 points.
Grant-Allen is a 6-foot-5 center who was drafted by the LA Sparks in the 2017 WNBA Draft in the third round with the 35th overall pick out of Dayton. She is currently playing in Spain for Bembibre, averaging 14.7 PPG and 9.0 RPG. During her time at Dayton, Grant-Allen set a program record for career offensive rebounds (264).
“We’re bringing Saicha back because she is a hard worker and very aggressive on the boards,” said Penny Toler, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the LA Sparks.
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks of the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016). The Sparks remain one of two active teams in the league to have won back-to-back titles, and have qualified for the playoffs in 18 of their 22 seasons. Led by an ownership group directed by 5- time NBA Champion Magic Johnson and Mark Walter, the Sparks are dedicated to ensuring that each home game at Staples Center encapsulates a championship entertainment experience, while also showcasing the best global female athletes on the court. The team plays their regular season from May through September. Please visit LASPARKS.com or call 1-844 GO SPARKS to Purchase 2018 Season Tickets Today!