UWM's Maria Viall To Play Professionally Overseas

Sept. 22, 2004

Maria Viall, the University of Wisconsin-MIlwaukee's all-time leading scorer, has signed a deal to play professional basketball in the nation of Hungary this winter. The 6-foot-3 Viall will play for Zala Volan ZTE in the premier division of the Hungarian league.

"With a lot of hard work Maria became one of UWM's most decorated women's basketball players," Milwaukee head coach Sandy Botham said. "We are so thrilled that she will have the opportunity to continue her playing career in Hungary and make a name for herself internationally. She deserves all that she has accomplished."

Zala Volan is based out of Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, which is in the western part of the country, very near the Croatian and Austrian borders. While not only competing in the Hungarian League, Zala Volan will also compete in the prestigious FIBA Europe Cup this season. The FIBA Europe Cup features many of the top women's teams in Europe and the season will run simultaneously with the league season. Zala Volan will play in the Central Conference of the Cup with teams from Russia, Switzerland, and Germany.

Viall ended her four-year UWM career among the all-time leaders in numerous statistical categories. A two-time Horizon League Player of the Year, Viall currently holds school records for career points (1,867), blocked shots (167), field goal percentage (54.2%), field goals made (737) and free throws made (390). A three-time first-team all-league pick the Waukesha native also earned District All-America status from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association this past season.