Rebekkah Brunson's career-year couldn't be happening at a better time. On pace to set career-highs in virtually every statistical category, the Monarchs forward was recently rewarded with her first-ever All-Star selection, being named a reserve for the Western Conference. As a result, Brunson's first taste of All-Star action will take place in her hometown -- Washington, D.C.

Brunson seized an opportunity to start for talent-laden Sacramento earlier this season when DeMya Walker went down with a season-ending injury and hasn't slowed down. Through 19 games this season, Brunson is averaging 11.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals, while shooting 51 percent from the field for second-place Sacramento.

WNBA.com's Mark Bodenrader caught up with Brunson in D.C. to talk to her about her first All-Star experience and what it will be like to play in front of friends and family.

Q: What does it mean to be an All-Star?
BRUNSON: “It means a lot to me. It’s a stepping stone for me to better my career. It’s a great opportunity to be here amongst the best athletes in the league. I’m enjoying it. It’s my first one. Hopefully, it’s not my last one. So hopefully I’m just getting started with this."

Q: Were you surprised when you found out you were named to the All-Star team, or was it something you felt was achievable?
BRUNSON: “It was definitely achievable. I wasn’t shocked. But sometimes you hope for things and they don’t happen. It was great. Everybody was behind me, everybody saw it in me, everybody kind of expected it to go that way and fortunately it did.”

Q: What in your game has changed this year that has made you an All-Star?
BRUNSON: “I’m a lot more aggressive, first of all. I’m a lot hungrier. I’ve had the opportunity to step up and play more. When DeMya got hurt earlier in the season it gave me a chance to step into the lineup and to contribute a lot more so I’m just trying to fill that role and I’m trying to do everything I can do to help the team be successful.”

Q: Is there any player you’re looking forward to playing with in the All-Star Game?
BRUNSON: “They’re all great. There are a lot of great players that are here. A lot of them I know, some of them I don’t know, but I’m just interested in seeing these people aside from playing against them. It will be a great experience.”

Q: Is it special to have a couple of Monarchs teammates playing with you, and to have your coaching staff here as well?
BRUNSON: “Definitely. That makes it all the better. To have Yo and Kara and the coaching staff, of course. We’re going to enjoy this. We really are. It’s great for us to be able to be here together and to participate in something like this, something that’s so grand for the league. So I’m going to enjoy it.”

Q: What’s it like to play the All-Star Game in your hometown of Washington, D.C.?
BRUNSON: "There it is! Being back at home for All-Star is wonderful."

Q: What was it like growing up in D.C.?
BRUNSON: “It was great. I actually grew up in Oxon Hill, Md., which is about five minutes out of the city. But I loved it. I stayed here and went to college at Georgetown. I live in D.C. still – I have a house in the Northeast. So I love D.C. I love the city. It’s a great place to be, a great place to grow up and a great place to live.”

Q: That has to be special having your first All-Star Game take place in D.C. then.
BRUNSON: “It definitely is great. My family is a little bit more excited than I am. It gives them the opportunity to come out and see the game and participate in all the festivities. So it’s great.”

Q: So how many tickets did they ask for?
BRUNSON: “They asked for a lot, but surprisingly a lot of them took it upon themselves to go and get the tickets because the All-Star was here before and it was extremely hectic, and they know that from experience, so they got in early to make sure they wouldn't miss out.”

Q: Do you have a rough number of how many friends and family members will be coming to the game?
BRUNSON: “No, I don’t know. It’s going to be a lot. They’re all supportive.”