May 16, 2005

Queens, NY - St. John's women's basketball head coach Kim Barnes Arico has announced that Angel Tate has signed a national letter of intent to join the Red Storm for the 2005-06 season. Tate joins Monique McLean and Lisa Claxton, who both signed with St. John's in the early signing period, to make up the class of '09.

A 6-2 forward at Wenonah High School in Birmingham, AL, Tate was selected as a 2004 Birmingham News Super Senior, an award that honors the top 12 girls basketball players in Alabama after averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds as a senior. A defensive driven player, she has consistently led her team in blocked shots and was an All-State and an All-Birmingham Metro selection. She is a versatile player who can use her size in the post, as well as run the floor, and is considered one of the top prospects from Alabama.

As a junior, Tate led Wenonah to the 2004 Class 6A State Championship, where she once again led all players in blocks and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Following that season, she was named to the 2004 North/South All-Star team.

Tate's accomplishments stretch beyond the basketball court and into the community and the classroom. An outstanding student, she is the valedictorian of her high school class and was named the Birmingham City Schools' Student-Athlete of the Year in 2005 and is an active member of her church in Pratt City, AL.

"Angel is the total package for St. John's," said Barnes Arico. "She is a great kid who excels both in the classroom and on the court and has the values that are consistent with St. John's mission. I am confident that she will be an immediate contribution to the dynamic of our team."

The Red Storm are coming off of their best season in 17 years. St. John's finished the 2004-05 season with a 20-11 overall record and advanced to the second round of the WNIT Postseason Tournament.

For the most up-to-date information on all St. John's University athletics, please visit our website at www.redstormsports.com or call our hotline at 1-888- GO STORM.

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