It is a moment that a player never forgets. The moment they hear their name called by the league president at the Draft is the moment that the dream becomes reality. It is validation for all of the hard work and sacrifice that it took to become one of the best basketball players in the world. While that moment may be brief, the memory endures. But that is not the only thing that players remember from their draft days. We asked a handful of WNBA first round picks to look back on their draft days and tell us what stood out. From getting no sleep, to 21 hour car rides, to getting made up for the big day, each player has a unique story to tell about their draft day.

Essence Carson, New York Liberty Drafted: 1st Round, 7th Pick, 2008 I remember the draft like it was yesterday. Sitting at the table with my family and Coach Stringer, silently screaming and going crazy in my own head. (laughs) I was praying to God that I would get picked by someone close to my home state of New Jersey. He heard my prayers and I reacted with the silent "YEA!!!!,” a stern clinched first, and the world's biggest smile. Draft day is your day so take it all in but remember how you got there! Many humble moments, long nights in the gym, and the greatest support staff of all - your family.

Alexis Hornbuckle, Detroit Shock Drafted: 1st Round, 4th Pick, 2008 The thing I remember the most is not getting much sleep the night before, but I still had so much energy and excitement, because I knew another one of my dreams was about to come true. Plus being able to share that with my friends and family, it was very remarkable.

Shameka Christon, New York Liberty Drafted: 1st Round, 5th Pick, 2004 I remember everything about draft day. It is a day I will never forget. I was nervous and excited. I was accompanied by my mom, dad and my assistant coach, Amber Shirey. For me it was a great feeling. I will never forget that my mom and dad drove 21 hours to the draft and immediately after the first round was called, they drove 21 hours back. They said they had to get to work and my mom never flew before! Hey, WE COUNTRY! (laughs) But still to this day she has never been on an airplane. That will change this summer! (laughs)

Ivory Latta, Atlanta Dream Drafted: 1st Round, 11th Pick, 2007 What I remember most about draft day was how nervous I was. I’m usually not a nervous person, but that day was crazy. I remember getting up that morning and putting on my clothes and meeting the other girls at the hotel and doing the walk through, which was really exciting. I also remember how the other girls were saying how nervous they were. That was so funny because I played if off like I wasn’t nervous (laughs). And when my name was called it was amazing. I couldn’t do anything but smile, and to see how happy my mother and father were was also a great feeling.

Laura Harper, Sacramento Monarchs Drafted: 1st Round, 10th Pick, 2008 Draft day to some can be one of the most nerve-racking days, but I looked at draft day as more of a fashion show. I figured if my make-up, hair, and dress were impeccable and I focused on how great I felt, the nerves of draft day would subside. Also, I made sure I got plenty of pictures with my family and friends to feel the moment. But other than the moment I heard my name called, I remember the second I heard my teammate Crystal Langhorne’s name. After everything her and I had been through I felt so proud of her that when my name was called I almost forgot what was going on.

Sophia Young, San Antonio Silver Stars Drafted: 1st Round, 4th Pick, 2006 On draft day, I remember getting my make-up done, getting dressed and waiting to see what team would select me. I also remember doing all the interviews after being picked and then flying to my team that same day. Pretty cool stuff.

(All photos courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images)