May 29, 2008

For Immediate Release May 29, 2008 Former Stephen F. Austin standout Charity Egenti is making a name for herself in Spain's professional basketball league. The 6-3, forward from Lagos, Nigeria, helped guide Madrid Estudiantes to the 2007-08 Spanish National Title.

"My first year was a difficult experience," said Egenti. "I was forced to be very independent and patient. For seven months I was without friends and family, so I had to grow. It was all worth it in the end, now I know what I want in a team and what I need to work on during the off-season."

After a slow start that saw Madrid drop its first four games, Egenti and her teammates returned from the Christmas break and rattled off 14 consecutive victories. Riding the strength of that win streak, Madrid went into the playoffs as at the No. 3 seed.

Madrid showed no signs of a let-down during the postseason, winning the tournament and bringing the 2007-08 Spanish National Title back to Madrid. Egenti was a key factor in the team's success leading the league in rebounding. She was also among the top four scorers on the roster.

Despite her success as a rookie, Egenti is not taking the experience for granted. Knowing that a career as a professional athlete is never a guarantee, Egenti is continuing to work on her game.

"I am excited to work on my outside game," said Egenti. "I know I want to play mostly the three position. I am unsure of my future team, so I'm just going to prepare by faith awaiting the next move God has in store for me."

Egenti was a two-year letterwinner at SFA helping guide SFA to a Southland Conference title, and the program's 18th appearance in the NCAA Championships. She closed out her collegiate career by earning 2007 SLC Player of the Year honors, and leading SFA to its second appearance in the WNIT.

-SFA-