April 12, 2004
The Colorado Chill of the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) announced today that two of their players signed minimum contracts with the WNBA. Katie Cronin signed a contract to join her former college and NWBL teammate, Becky Hammon with the New York Liberty. Maren Walseth will join the Seattle Storm.

"This is what I had in mind when I acquired the NWBL franchise," team owner and general manager Dave King said. "I felt like there were some great players within our scope that if they were given the right opportunity, they would be able to take their skills to the next level. I am very excited for both of them."

The NWBL season ended April 1 and both players are training for the WNBA season. WNBA players have to report to camp by April 25. Both players have training camp experience (Cronin -New York 2001, Seattle 2002) (Walseth -Sacramento 2001, Washington 2002, New York 2003).

"I am very excited," said Cronin, who is in Denver training before she moves on to New York. "This is what I have spent the last year preparing for. The Chill gave me the experience and the confidence to go up against some of the best players in the game. I am ready for the challenge".

The NWBL season (January through March) complements the WNBA season, which is May through August. As a result, many of the starters on NWBL teams are WNBA players. Olympians and stars such as Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoopes and Ruth Riley played in the NWBL in 2004. Other Chill players on WNBA rosters are Helen Darling (Minnesota), Edna Campbell (Sacramento), Ruth Riley (Detroit), and Becky Hammon (New York).

The Colorado Chill completed the 2004 season as the regular season champions and were undefeated at home in the Budweiser Events Center. For 2005 season ticket information, contact Kim at Triple Crown Sports at 970-223-6644 ext.167.