The Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association drafted UCSB forward and 2002 Big West Player of the Year Kayte Christensen in the third round of Friday’s draft.

Christensen was the 40th overall choice in the WNBA draft at Secaucus, N.J. Christensen, originally thought to be headed to the Charlotte Sting, Houston Comets, and possibly the Sacramento Monarchs, was surprised at the selection.

“I didn’t think Phoenix would take me,” Christensen said. “It’s very funny, because Charlotte showed a lot of interest.”

The Sting, coincidentally, owned the pick right after the Mercury’s choice. The Comets held the 42nd overall choice.

Phoenix, who didn’t own a first-round pick, drafted two other frontcourt players. The Mercury picked up Wichita State forward Tootie Shaw in the second round and Amba Colongo from North Carolina Central University in the fourth round.