MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Anna DeForge has joined the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, head coach Kyle Rechlicz officially announced on Thursday.

DeForge, a native of Niagara, Wis., competed eight seasons in the WNBA before continuing her pro career overseas, compiling a resume of over 17 years of playing professionally.

“We are thrilled to announce the hiring of our new assistant coach,” Rechlicz said. “The knowledge that she has obtained from playing for some of the best coaches in the world will be incredibly valuable to our student-athletes and coaches. She has spent years developing young athletes into college players and now we are fortunate to have her help us develop our young women into champions. Coach Anna will undoubtedly help take our program to the next level.”

DeForge, a two-time WNBA All-Star, brings an extensive background in playing, coaching, and recruiting to Milwaukee. Most recently, DeForge was a coach with the Purple Aces and Barium AAU programs and was responsible for student-athlete development.

For the last seven years, she has also provided training and life skills across the Midwest as founder of Anna DeForge Basketball.

Prior to her pro career, DeForge played four years at Nebraska and graduated as one of the best all-around players in Husker history. She earned honorable-mention All-America accolades from The Associated Press twice and claimed a pair of First Team All-Big 12 honors.

Additionally, DeForge earned multiple academic honors and was one of five named to Nebraska’s All-Century Team.

At Niagara High School, she was one of the state’s all-time bests, scoring 2,601 career points.