April 5, 2000

DURHAM, N.C. - Missy West, a senior native of Malone, N.Y., has decided to return for the 2000-2001 season and play for the Duke women's basketball team.

West received a medical redshirt for the 1997-98 season and could of graduated this May with a major in Sociology, but has decided to obtain a double major and return to the team next season. She will look to obtain degree's in Sociology and Biological Anthropology.

"This is something I knew all along that I wanted to come back and play for another year," said West."

West played in 31 games this season averaging 7.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, but really turned on her play in the postseason in 2000. In six games during the ACC and NCAA Tournament's she averaged 13.5 points and hit 15 three-pointers. She scored double-figures in each of the six games played and was selected to the ACC All-Tournament team.

She is well-known as the emotional leader on the squad and with her experiences of advancing to four NCAA Tournament's, including the National Championship game and the Elite Eight , she will be a great asset to Duke next year. "That will be my main job next year is to be the leader for the team both on and off the court," commented West.

"We are excited to have Missy returning for her fifth year," said Duke head coach Gail Goestenkors. "She has shown great leadership and character during the last year and believe she can have a very positive impact on our program next season."

The Blue Devils will now return 10 letterwinner's and four starters off of their 28-6 team, which won the ACC Tournament Championship and advanced to the Sweet 16. Duke also welcomes one of the top recruiting classes in the nation next season as Alana Beard (Frierson, La.), Rometra Craig (Portola Valley, Ca.), Vicki Krapohl (Mt. Pleasant, Mi.), Iciss Tillis (Tulsa, Ok.), and Crystal White (Clinton Township, Mi.) will all be attending Duke University.