Rachel Warren |
UP center Rachel Warren will complete for the Australian women’s basketball team at the 2007 World University Games in August
PORTLAND, Ore. --- University of Portland center Rachel Warren will compete for Australia at the 2007 World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7-18. This is the second time competing at the games for Warren, who helped Australia claim a Bronze Medal in women’s basketball two years ago.
Warren, who is entering her senior season at Portland, averaged 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game at the 2005 World University Games.
“We have an older, more mature and experienced group this year, so I’d hope that we can be medal contenders again,” Warren said. “I enjoy playing in international competitions, as every country has a slightly different style of play. It’s always a challenge to try to capitalize on your skills in different playing environments.”
The World University Games, which is considered second only to the Olympics in worldwide participation, are held every two years and are open to student-athletes between the ages of 17 and 25 who must be in full course study at a university. More than 7,000 athletes from more than 150 countries participate in the games.
Preliminary pool play begins on August 7. The championship round will be played between August 12-16. The men’s and women’s gold medal games will be held on August 17 and 18. In addition to basketball, athletes will be competing in diving, fencing, gymnastics, judo, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo.
Australia is slated to face Brazil in its opening game on August 8.
“I’m entering the games with a sense of how tough the competition will be,” said Warren, “and I’m doing all I can to make sure I’m ready for the physicality of international competition.”
Despite missing eight games last season with a foot injury, Warren led the Pilots in rebounds (7.6 rpg) and blocks (2.5 bpg) and finished second in scoring (10.6 ppg). She earned All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention in 2006. She currently ranks second on the UP career charts in field goal percentage (.512) and fifth in career blocks (98).
