ATLANTA, Georgia (March 14, 2003) -- Clarion University's Susan Blauser has been named the 2003 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Graduate Assistant of the Year as selected by the Women's Sports Foundation.

"After reviewing her credentials it was obvious that Susan was the right choice for the WBCA Graduate Assistant of the Year Award," said WBCA Chief Executive Officer Beth Bass. "On behalf of the WBCA membership, I want to congratulate Susan and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

Blauser joined the Clarion University women's basketball athletic staff after an outstanding collegiate basketball career. Blauser started her career at Rutgers in 1995 before transferring to the University of Illinois in 1997. She earned many honors during her years as a player, including Big East Freshman Team and Big Ten First Team All-Conference. She was also a member of the 2000 WBCA All-Star Challenge team.

The 2003 WBCA Graduate Assistant of the Year winner has been a great asset to the coaching staff and players at Clarion University. Blauser plays an integral role of planning practice and has a strong voice in game operations. She also is an Academic Support Advisor and helps out with on and off campus recruiting. Blauser will be graduating from Clarion University in the spring with her Master's degree in Rehabilitative Science.

Susan Blauser will be presented the WBCA Graduate Assistant of the Year Award during Jostens-Berenson Awards Luncheon Saturday, April 5 at 12:00 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Jostens-Berenson Awards Luncheon is a program of the WBCA National Convention held in conjunction with the 2003 NCAA Division I Women's Final Four in Atlanta.

This marks the 13th year the Women's Sports Foundation has recognized a Graduate Assistant of the Year. The Foundation is a national non-profit educational organization that promotes the lifelong participation of girls and women in sports and fitness. The Foundation seeks to create an educated public that encourages females' participation and supports gender equity in sports. Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King and supported by founding members and champion female athletes such as Donna DeVarona, Wyomia Tyus and many others, the Foundation provides educational services, opportunity, advocacy and recognition programs.

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as an amateur sport for women and girls. For more information about the WBCA visit its web site at www.wbca.org.