Former Green Bay standout Kati Harty signs professional contract

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- For the first time in her career, former Phoenix guard Kati Harty will take her basketball skills outside of Green Bay, as she has signed a professional contract with the ProBuild Lions in Amsterdam.

With the signing, Harty fills the only remaining spot on the roster for the Lions' 2009-10 season. "It all happened fast. I started planning for school when my agent called; the next day I got a contract, signed it and sent it. It was a long waiting process but once it started taking place it went really fast," stated Harty.

Lions' head coach Laki Lakner plans to start Harty at the shooting guard position and substitute her at the point as needed. "It's kind of a relief knowing that I can still play basketball somewhere. It's going to be sad because I grew up in Green Bay, but my roommate is a veteran so that will help," said Harty.

During Harty's last year at Green Bay, she led the Phoenix with 142 assists while averaging 9.6 points per game. The Ashwaubenon high school graduate was also named MVP of the 2009 Horizon League tournament.

Harty will leave for the Netherlands in the middle of September and report to practice on Sept. 15. The Lions' regular season ends in April with tournament action going until the end of May.

Release courtesy of Green Bay Assistant SID Jill Wunrow