July 11, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB women's basketball player Carmen Guzman has been selected to play with the Dominican Republic's national team in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, August 10-14 in Morovis, Puerto Rico.

Guzman, who earned the 2007 Conference USA Player of the Year honor while leading the Blazers to a second-round appearance in the WNIT, was eligible for the national squad because her grandparents are from the Dominican Republic.

"I'm excited to be chosen to play for their national team," said Guzman. "It is truly an honor. I'm happy about the opportunity, but I'm also sad to leave UAB. I am going to go there, give it my all and try to contribute in any way that I can."

Guzman's journey will begin on Thursday afternoon when she departs for the Dominican Republic and will continue for a month, until the conclusion of the CBC Championships.

"We are thrilled about this opportunity for Carmen and wish her nothing but the best," said UAB head coach Audra Smith. "She has worked so hard to elevate her game to such a high level, she really deserves this opportunity. She is going to bring a lot to the table for the Dominican Republic and make a great player for them."