Stars Center Jayne Appel-Marinelli to Retire Following 2016 WNBA Season

Published on September 9, 2016 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
San Antonio Stars News Release


SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 9, 2016) - San Antonio Stars center Jayne Appel-Marinelli today announced that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2016 season. The seven-year veteran played her entire WNBA career in San Antonio after being drafted fifth overall by the Stars in the 2010 WNBA Draft.

"It has been such an incredible journey the past seven years with the Stars. I am humbled and honored to have been a part of such a loyal and professional organization in Spurs Sports & Entertainment," said Appel-Marinelli. "I feel extremely lucky to be able to say that I spent my entire career in San Antonio playing alongside some of the best teammates and coaches to ever be a part of the game. To play in the WNBA and be a role model for young girls is something young players dream about. I am proud to say I have been a part of our league.

"Thank you to Coach Hughes for drafting me and to the rest of the staff and fans for continuously supporting me. Every home game was filled with such energy from the fans and there are many moments that I will cherish once I take off my sneakers for the final time. Thank you for everything, San Antonio."

Appel-Marinelli ranks second in Stars history in career blocks (190), third in total rebounds (1,289), third in field goal percentage (.496), fourth in career games played (213), fifth in games started (150), seventh in minutes played (4,311) and eighth in rebounds per game (6.1).

"The Stars have been fortunate to have Jayne spend her entire career here in San Antonio," said Stars General Manager Ruth Riley. "Jayne's skill, toughness and work ethic are what you immediately see when she is on the court, but her impact in a game is better measured by the way she helps each of her teammates maximize their potential. Jayne's leadership has extended well beyond the Stars locker room, as she serves on the executive committee of the Players Union helping shape the trajectory of the WNBA. Our team, our community and our league have benefited from Jayne's presence these past seven seasons, and I know I speak on behalf of all our San Antonio fans when I say 'Thank You.'"

As a rookie out of Stanford, Appel-Marinelli was voted to the 2010 WNBA All-Star squad where she participated in the Stars at the Sun Showcase. Additionally, as a member of USA Basketball, Appel-Marinelli won a gold medal at the FIBA World Championships in 2010, a gold medal at the Pan American Games in 2007 and a gold medal at the FIBA America U18 Championship in 2006.

"Jayne has been a wonderful, positive presence on and off the court for the Stars, Spurs Sports & Entertainment and the WNBA," said Stars Head Coach Dan Hughes. "A caring leader, she has forged a path for performance and enriching the San Antonio community. It has been a pleasure to coach Jayne and I am excited to watch her life as she enters her future."

Throughout her time in San Antonio, Appel-Marinelli has supported and volunteered locally at Clarity Child Guidance Center and nationally with Bring Change 2 Mind to end the social stigmas surrounding mental health. Appel-Marinelli currently serves on the executive board of the WNBA Players Association, as the secretary and treasurer, and previously spent five seasons as the Stars player representative.

Tickets for each game remaining in the 2016 season are available online at SAStars.com or ticketmaster.com, by phone at (210) 225-TEAM, and at the AT&T Center Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on weekend event days five hours prior to tipoff. The 2016 San Antonio Stars season is presented by H-E-B.

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