Although they’ve played their last game in cardinal and gold, Desir‚e Francis and Stacy Frese are looking to continue their career on a professional level.

Both players were selected in the WNBA draft held Tuesday, Francis as the 29th pick overall by the New York Liberty, and Frese 35th by the Utah Starzz.

“Obviously, I’m really excited about it. It’s going to be a great opportunity for me,” Frese said.

ISU coach Bill Fennelly said this is just one more accomplishment by two players who have been a part of so many as Cyclones.

“I think it’s great for the program. This is the first time it’s happened here, and it’s a great honor for both players,” Fennelly said.

He also said he thinks the two could make an impact.

“It’s nice, because both players were picked where they could potentially come in and make an impact. New York is an older team that needed someone to play the three or four, which Des can do.

“Utah has a need in the backcourt, and they only had three picks, of which Stacy was the only guard. So hopefully both can get the opportunity to play,” Fennelly said.

The players won’t have much time to get used to the idea, as they are leaving Monday for training camp, which begins on Wednesday.

“I had thought that it was a possibility that I would get drafted, so I planned ahead and took all my tests and had a big paper this week,” Frese said.

Tuesday was a long day for Frese and Francis.

“It was pretty nerve wracking the whole day, wondering where I was going to, or if I was going to be drafted at all. There’s a lot of great players out there, and people that you forget about who have been out of school for a couple of years,” Frese said.

Coming into the draft, Frese didn’t know if she would be picked.

“I heard things, but I didn’t really want to listen to them, to get my hopes up and then be disappointed,” Frese said.

If the WNBA doesn’t work out, Frese will try to play overseas.

“I have an agent from Russia who has a lot of connections in Europe. That’s partly why I got him, because it’s easier to play over there than here,” Frese said.

Frese is looking forward to going to the Starzz, who play their home games at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

“I’ve never been to Utah, so it should be exciting,” Frese said.

Regular season play opens Memorial Day weekend.

“This is another big challenge,” Francis said. “I’m the rookie again, which will be fun. I think it gives you more energy when you have to prove yourself.

“What you did in the past is great, but it doesn’t mean anything now,” she said.