Sept. 18, 2008

FLORENCE, S.C. - University of Illinois women's basketball coach Jolette Law will be honored tonight as the Florence (S.C.) District One Distinguished Graduate at the Seventh Annual School Foundation Celebration. Law is back in her hometown to receive the award and is very humbled by the recognition.

"I'm very honored to be recognized by the Florence school district," Law said. "The school system and all the great people here helped me reach my potential and prepared me for my journey through life. For that I'll be forever grateful. I'll always carry this award close to my heart and I hope it can inspire others to excel and reach for their dreams.

"It's always good to come back home," Law continued. "This is where my heart was shaped and molded. It's great to see many of the teachers and staff members who helped me along the way so I can give them my heartfelt gratitude."

Law was a three-time Kodak All-American at Wilson High School in Florence before heading to Iowa to play collegiately. As the Hawkeyes' floor general, she helped C. Vivian Stringer lead the team to four consecutive Big Ten titles and a record of 105-18 from 1987-90. A Kodak District V All-American in 1990, she was a four-year letterwinner and two-time first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection (1989 and 1990) at Iowa. A member of the Iowa Hall of Fame, Law graduated from the University of Iowa in 1990 with a degree in sports studies/corporate fitness.

Following her collegiate career, Law joined the Harlem Globetrotters from 1990-94 as the only female team member, completing three worldwide tours with the team. As an ambassador of goodwill with the Globetrotters, she coordinated several basketball seminars and clinics in addition to her on-court performances. During her stint with basketball's greatest team, her picture appeared on Wheaties cereal boxes with her Globetrotter teammates.

She then spent 12 years at Rutgers University under Stringer where she became regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country. During her tenure at Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights saw remarkable success, including two Final Fours, three Elite Eights and three Sweet Sixteen appearances, among them the run to the 2007 national championship game in Cleveland.

On May 11, 2007, Law was named the seventh head women's basketball coach at the University of Illinois. During her first season with the Orange and Blue she led the team to 20 wins and to a postseason appearance in the WNIT. She also helped develop center Jenna Smith into an All-American and first team All-Big Ten selection.

"Ms. Law embodies the qualities of great District One graduates," Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hyler said. "She certainly has proven a tremendous drive to succeed."

The School Foundation promotes educational excellence in Florence, S.C., School District One through grants for innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all students.

For more information, visit The School Foundation's website HERE.