<!SMITH>July 30, 1997
Booker Named to the Women's Basketball Coaching Staff
STANFORD, Calif. - Tonya Booker, a former assistant coach at Clemson, was named as a women's basketball assistant coach at Stanford, head coach Tara VanDerveer announced today.
"We are very pleased that Tonya has chosen to join our staff," said VanDerveer. "She is very enthusiastic and has a great love for the game. Tonya is an outstanding addition to the program."
Booker, a 1995 graduate of the University of Illinois, served as the assistant coach for the Lady Tigers during the 1996-97 season. She also was the student-assistant coach for the Illini in 1994-95 after completing her eligibility.
"I am excited to be part of the academic and athletic tradition at Stanford," Booker said. "The caliber of people here is tremendous. I hope the experience I've gained as a player and a coach in two powerful conferences will assist in the continued growth of the program."
After her senior season at Illinois, Booker received the Big Ten Medal of Honor for excellence in scholarship and athletics. She also received the Bronze Tablet for graduating in the top three percent of her class at Illinois. Additionally, she posted the top grade point average among female student-athletes in her class as a sophomore, junior and senior.
Booker was a four-time letterwinner and Illini team captain in 1993-94 as the starting point guard. As a senior, she started all 27 games and led the team in assists and free throw percentage.
A native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Booker was the Gatorade Player of the Year in 1990 for Ohio and was a two-time first-team All-Ohio selection.