Sky fans, the 2009 Sky season is just around the corner and before you know it your favorite athletes will be back on the court!
Before that happens, we wanted to introduce you to our first round draft pick Kristi Toliver!
Kristi recently sat down for a one-on-one question and answer in the Sky office. Find out how she feels about becoming a member of the Sky, what went through her head when her name was called at the draft, her favorite memory from the University of Maryland and much more!
How does it feel to be a member of the Chicago Sky?
“It feels good. It’ll be better when I get to interact with all my teammates. I feel blessed to be here and to be in the position that I’m in.”
What was the first thing that went through your head when you heard your name called as the third overall pick in the WNBA Draft?
“A sigh of relief! All the anticipation of where I was going to go was driving me nuts, but when I knew I was going to the Sky I knew it would be a good fit for me.”
What is your biggest strength on the court?
“I think one of my biggest strengths is my vision, my ability to get my teammates the ball and to make them look better. That’s something I’ve always taken pride in; making my teammates look like all-stars. With the talent we have here at the Sky, it is going to be fun to get all of the players involved.”
What do you feel you need to improve upon most as you transition into the WNBA?
“My overall strength and having to get back into conditioning and weight training. The WNBA game is only going to be quicker and each player will be stronger than college so I have to get my body right again.”
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Maryland?
“Winning the national championship my freshman year by far is the best memory I’ve had so far. Being on the biggest stage in women’s college basketball is something I’ll never forger. I hope to have a similar experience here at the Sky!”
What sky players are you most excited to get on the floor and play with?
“I’m excited to play with all my teammates. I’ve played against Armintie Price my sophomore year and also against Sylvia Fowles. I know all about Candice Dupree with her being at Temple. I’m excited to get on the floor with all of them.”
Did you ever imagine you’d be playing in the WNBA one day?
“Growing up I imagined playing in the NBA! To be playing in Chicago in a great sports city like this I’m really excited to be here. To be able to continue playing basketball was all I ever thought or dreamed of as a kid.”
Did you have a favorite player growing up?
“Michael Jordan was the man. I would watch him and Kevin Johnson in Phoenix.”
Who inspired you to play basketball?
“I’m not sure anyone really inspired me. I was just passionate about it at a really early age. By the age of two all I wanted to do was play basketball. I think watching guys like Michael, Magic, Larry, and Reggie Miller inspired me because I saw how much fun those guys were having. I knew I wanted to play as long as I could.”
What are your goals that you will set for yourself this year?
“I haven’t really sat down and thought about goals. I know I want this team to contend for a championship. I know it’s very possible to have a winning season and compete for a championship. Those should be the goals when you enter a season.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I’m a movie buff, I love to watch movies. I like to go to concerts. I don’t exactly have a lot of free time which is why I stick to movies; you can watch them anywhere.”
What are you looking forward to about living in Chicago?
“Just going out with my teammates and getting to know the city and the people here. I know there’s a lot to do and a lot of good places to eat. This is my first time living on my own and coming from the DC area this will be a nice change for me. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Do you have any predictions for the 2009 season?
“I definitely see us making the playoffs. I see us having a winning record and I see us making it pretty far. We’ll see how it goes.”
Source From : WNBA.com
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