Suttington to Play Pro Basketball in Germany

MANASSAS, Va. -- Former Barry University women's basketball player Shanna Suttington was offered a one-year contract to play professionally with ASC Mainz, a Second Division German team.

She reports to the team Aug. 8.

A 5-4 guard from Manassas, Va., Suttington attended a tryout camp in Germany at the beginning of June, and impressed the Mainz coaching staff enough to give her a shot. She will become the first American player to compete for Mainz in four years.

"Shanna is a small, quick player who will help us enormously to develop the (guard) position," ASC coach Alexander Schoch told the Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper in Germany. "Because Katharina Schnitzler is currently studying abroad, there was an urgent need for action in the building. Shanna was our preferred candidate."

Schoch was impressed with Suttington's defense, playmaking and passing ability and prowess in spotting open teammates.

"I saw three complete games of her on DVD. She has convinced me completely," Schoch said.

Suttington averaged 9.4 points per game, led the team with 101 assists and 49 steals, and made a team-best 35 three-point field goals in 2011-12. She finished her career ranked second on Barry's three-point field goals made list with 149. She ranks third in assists (337), sixth in steals (163) and seventh in points (952). Suttington ranks in the top 10 of 14 categories, having attempted the most three-pointers (511) in school history.

ASC Mainz is the club former Bucs men's player Willie Whitfield plays for professionally. ASC Mainz plans to continue its relationship with Barry in search of potential players for the future.

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to play professionally overseas," Suttington said. "I truly thank God for His blessings. It means more to me than words can explain to have my dreams turn into a reality."