NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Atlantic 10 Conference recently announced its Inaugural Women's Basketball Legends list and Cornell head coach Dayna Smith has been selected to represent her alma mater, the University of Rhode Island. Consisting of a group of 16 former women's basketball student-athletes, the group is being recognized for their contributions to their institutions' basketball programs.        

"I congratulate our inaugural class of Atlantic 10 Legends. These women have been instrumental in establishing the outstanding history of the A-10 women's basketball programs," stated Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “Individually each legend has become a role model for others as they competed and benefited from Title IX to elevate women's basketball within the A-10 and nationally.  They are a credit to their institutions, the league and are deserving of this honor on behalf of the Atlantic 10 Conference. "

Smith was one of the top point guards in Atlantic 10 history while starring for Rhode Island from 1992-96. One of just 11 players at the NCAA Division I level to record more than 1,000 points and 750 assists, Smith was a key component of the Rams' run to the 1996 NCAA Tournament. That season, the Pittsburgh native dished out 233 assists and helped guide URI to a 21-8 mark and the A-10 East regular season title. She finished her career with 1,174 points - good for ninth on Rhody's all-time scoring list.

As the winningest head coach in Cornell women's' basketball history, she led the Big Red to its first-ever Ivy League title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2008.

The Women's Basketball Legends will be honored on March 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., the morning of the 2013 A-10 Women's Basketball Championship finals. Each honoree will be recognized during an awards brunch in the 40/40 Club, beginning at 11 a.m.

Each institution selected its Legend. The group is made up entirely of former players, all of which began their careers in 1976 or later. They represent 10 states and one foreign country and there are six All-Americans and three Academic All-Americans among the honorees.