CHICAGO, Sept. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Premier Basketball League (PBL) announced expansion into West Virginia for the 2013 season. The West Virginia Miners are gearing up for their PBL debut set for March 2013. The Miners are lead by Stephanie Casey and are the first PBL team solely owned by a woman.
Born and raised in West Virginia, Casey brings a new team to a state that has such a passion and love for the game of basketball. For the past fifteen years she has worked in hotel operations as a manager for the leading hotel chain in the hospitality industry. "Her ability to organize and manage operations gives her the experience that she needs to lead the WV Miners," commented PBL Vice President of Operations Tom McGinn.
"Being involved with basketball over the past 30 years as an athlete, coach for 15 and under teams, and a basketball players' wife, I am not just a supporter of basketball, but also the camaraderie that comes along with the sport," commented Casey about her love for the game and passion for her community.
As a volunteer in several local community service projects including serving as a leader in Girl Scouts of America, she supports building character, drive, dedication, discipline and work ethic to become not only a great athlete but instilling these valuable life skills to become successful adults as well. By promoting leadership skills, confidence and encouragement in our young people, she serves as a role model to show that you can do whatever you chose to do if you work hard for it.
"I am honored to be the first sole female PBL team owner and we are very excited to have this opportunity to bring the fans of West Virginia a professional basketball team in the PBL," continued Casey.
The Miners will enter the 2013 PBL season that is set to tip-off March 1st, a later date that previous years. "We want to give team owners and front office staff ample time to prepare for the highly anticipated 2013 season. Our regional play model was a success in 2012, and with less competition from the NFL post-season, we are giving our fans and teams a chance at an even larger reach for the upcoming season," commented Tom McGinn, PBL Vice President of Operations.
For more information on the Premier Basketball League visit www.ThePBL.com or for information on the West Virginia Miners team contact stephanie.casey@wvminersbasketball.com.
The Premier Basketball League (PBL) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11424