July 18, 2007

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis women's basketball head coach Shimmy Gray-Miller announced that Jarietta Benton has been promoted to director of women's basketball operations, a newly-created position at SLU. Benton, who served as the team's senior manager last season, will spearhead the team's community service effort, organize team travel, serve as camp director and oversee the student managers.

"It is exciting any time you can reward someone within your organization for her hard work and dedication, and that is what we have done by promoting Jarietta," Gray-Miller said. "It is a testament to Jarietta's commitment to helping this program grow in all facets. She has earned this opportunity to advance in collegiate athletics, and I am thrilled that she will remain a member of our Billiken family."

Benton joined the Billikens for the 2006-07 season after a four-year playing career at DePaul, where she helped the Blue Demons to four NCAA Tournaments. DePaul posted a 27-7 record and reached the Sweet 16 of the 2006 NCAA Tournament her senior year. For her effort that season, Benton earned the Maggie Dixon Captain's Award. She scored 261 points and distributed 72 assists during her career at DePaul.

A native of Houston, Benton finished her prep career at Nimitz High School with 1,447 points, 887 rebounds, 327 steals and 205 blocks. She led the Houston area during her senior season with 19 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while shooting .440 from 3-point range. Benton was an honorable mention All-State selection by the Texas Sports Writers Association and was twice tabbed second-team All-State by Texas Basketball Magazine.

Benton earned her bachelor's degree in fitness education from DePaul in 2006.