Center Janel McCarville has signed a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Lynx, the team announced Thursday morning.

"We are happy to have Janel back in a Lynx uniform for the upcoming title defense," said Executive Vice President Roger Griffith in a press release. "She was an integral part of our success last year and remains an ideal fit in our system. Janel is one of the best passing posts in the league and her offensive versatility makes her a valuable player on our team. We're happy to have her back in Minnesota and look forward to seeing her suit up in a Lynx uniform for years to come."

The former University of Minnesota center started 32 games last season, averaging 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and a career-best 2.9 assists per game for the Lynx, who won the WNBA title for the second time in three years.

A seven--year WNBA veteran, McCarville was originally selected by the Charlotte Sting with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA draft. She also played for the New York Liberty before signing with the Lynx last year.