EL PASO, Texas — Former all-West Coast Conference University of San Francisco women's basketball guard Shannon Powell has signed a professional contract to play basketball for CSM Alexandria in Romania, a member of Romania's top professional league, Liga Nationala.
 
Powell was named to the 2018-19 all-WCC second team after leading the Dons in scoring (15.0 points per game), rebounding (5.6 per game), assists (3.3 per game) and steals (2.0 per game). At season's end, Powell stood as one of just four players in the WCC ranked among the top-20 in scoring and rebounding, and top-15 in assists and steals. She finished tied for seventh in the WCC in scoring, tied for fourth in steals, tied for 12th in assists and tied for 17th in rebounding.
 
Over her two-year career, Powell started in 59 of USF's 62 games and scored more than 800 points. She scored double-digit points in 45 games, had 10 20-point games, pulled down more than 300 rebounds and handed out more than 185 assists.
 
"We are all very excited that Shannon will have an opportunity to pursue her goal of playing basketball professionally," said USF head coach Molly Goodenbour. "She will bring great energy and competitive spirit to the club. This is a fantastic opportunity for her and we are excited to follow her progress."
 
"I'm extremely excited and blessed to be getting this opportunity to play professionally," said Powell. "It's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I'd like to thank all my coaches at USF along with my family for sticking by me and believing in me when many wouldn't look twice in my direction.
 
"Not many people from my hometown El Paso, Texas, get opportunities like this one. I'm going to represent the 915 in the best way I can. I love my city! El Paso Strong!"

CSM Alexandria made it to the Romanian Cup final in 2008-09 and were in the semifinals in 2014-15.
 
Powell joins a list of recent Dons who have also gone pro. Rachel Howard '17 and Anna Seilund '18 both most recently played in Spain. Michaela Rakova '18 could most recently be found playing in her home country of Slovakia.