NEW YORK - Former Scarlet Knight Essence Carson has signed with the Los Angeles Sparks it was announced on Thursday. The 2011 WNBA All-Star had averaged 7.7 points and made 119 starts for the Liberty since joining the squad as a first round draft pick in 2008.

Carson helped lead the Liberty to four postseason appearances during her eight seasons, including three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. During her rookie season in 2008 she appeared in and started every game of the Liberty’s run to the conference finals, averaging 16.8 mpg and 5.7 ppg through six contests.

“I am beyond excited to be joining the Los Angeles Sparks,” said Carson in a press release by the Sparks. “After spending my entire career in New York City, I felt this change was needed. Competing for a championship with an opportunity to contribute are my priorities and LA fit the bill. Just as the NY Liberty, the Sparks have their own legacy and I plan to uphold that to the best of my ability, as a person and player. Thank you for welcoming me to your city and your family.”

The 6-0 guard had her best season in 2012, averaging career-highs in points (11.6 ppg), rebounds (3.4 rpg), blocks (0.7 bpg) and minutes (27.3 mpg) in 34 games played (23 starts). In 2011 she averaged 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 32 games and was selected to represent the Eastern Conference in the WNBA All-Star Game.

A dedicated and compassionate member of the WNBA community, Carson is a two-time WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm recipient, most recently winning the award in June 2015.

Carson is playing with Turkey’s Canik Belediyesi during the WNBA offseason. She is currently leads the team with 14.5 points per game along with 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.

A three-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, Carson collected 1,262 points and 707 rebounds while "On The Banks" having appeared in 133 contests as a Scarlet Knight.

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