With a small break in my schedule, I recently returned to San Antonio to see what I could accomplish in four quick days . . . First of all, I was reminded about how quick our off-season goes—can you believe it has already been 2 months since our season ended?? It was good to be able to work out with our assistant coach, Olaf Lange. I have worked with Olaf for about 5 years now; he truly is one of the best individual coaches in the game!! Even though I am now a veteran player, I never stop trying to improve my skills.

I try to break up my off-season in two different phases. Directly after the season, I take a break from basketball. I will cross train with different exercises to stay in shape, but it is more to keep a consistent aerobic base and I will work on my rehab exercises and core strength. During this time, I devote much of my time to my family and work off-the-court. As a spokesperson for Nothing But Nets, I have been able to travel a bit with them (I am meeting up with them in Mali in December) as well as participate in different community initatives with Notre Dame and the NBA/WNBA. After the New Year, I will turn my focus back to the court as I work on different aspects of my game and work myself back into game shape.

Back in San Antonio I was able to not only work out, but also visit 3 different schools talking about Nothing But Nets, the importance of reading, education, and goal setting. I embrace the opportunity to speak to today’s youth—there are so many factors that influence their lives and I just hope to give them advice that will give them guidance to make positive decisions. My favorite part of speaking to kids is the question and answer session at the end. Often times with the younger kids, they will raise their hand and inform me that I am taller than their dad, or that their favorite color is red. I had the opportunity to speak to a few hundred 6th graders. One young man in the back raised his hand emphatically, so I asked him what his question was. He said, “Do you date short guys?” “Will you go out with me?” boys will be boys

The rest of my time was split between talking to potential season ticket holders and sponsors. As a player, I not only am grateful for the opportunity to play basketball for a living, but I am very passionate about what the WNBA stands for!! This is going to be the best season yet; you definitely don’t want to miss out . . . so please, get your season tickets today (I had to throw my sales pitch in there)!!!

I wish you all a wonderful thanksgiving with friends and family!!