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Oct. 21, 2008

Louisville, Ky. - The University of Louisville women's basketball team is ranked in the Top 10 of every preseason magazine poll heading into the 2008-09 season. It is the first time in school history that the Cardinals have been ranked in the Top 10. The highest ranking was No. 7 by Sportspage.com. The Cardinals were ranked No. 8 by Lindy's and Slam Magazine. They were ranked No. 9 by Sporting News and No. 10 by Athlon and ESPN.com.

The Cardinals return four of five starters as Head Coach Jeff Walz begins his second year with the Louisville Cardinals. Louisville finished last year ranked No. 12 in the USAToday/ESPN Coaches poll for their highest ranking. Seniors Angel McCoughtry, Candyce Bingham and Chauntise Wright will lead the Cardinals in the frontcourt. Louisville also returns a total seven student-athletes who saw action in 30 games or more a year ago, including junior Brandie Radde who started 32 games for the Cardinals last season. Reserves Deseree Byrd, Keshia Hines and Laura Terry also return for last year's Sweet 16 team.

The Cardinals also welcome the 12th-best recruiting class in the nation that includes three Kentucky natives, Janae Howard, Monique Reid and Gwen Rucker along with Becky Burke (Clarks Summit, Pa.), Mary Jackson (Memphis, Tenn.), and Tiera Stephen (Dayton, Ohio).

Senior forward Angel McCoughtry was also named a first team All-American in every preseason magazine as well. McCoughtry was named a WBCA/State Farm All-American last year for the second straight season. She led the BIG EAST in scoring and rebounding with 23.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Senior Candyce Bingham was named a third team All-American by the Sporting News. Bingham was second on the team in scoring and rebounding with 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Louisville will tip off the regular season on Nov. 15 at Tennessee Tech. The Cardinals will play their first exhibition game on Nov. 3 against the ASGR All-Stars in Freedom Hall at 7:00 p.m.