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When you have questions, the Fever website takes you straight to the inside sources for answers. Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf, Head Coach Brian Winters, assistant coaches and players will answer questions from fans.
Please note: This is a forum for team and played-related questions and answers only. Requests of a personal nature will not be accepted. Requests for player apperances should be sent to the Community Relations department.
Question for Tan White | August 17, 2006
Q: Hey Tan!!! You are my favorite basketball player! I was just wondering if you were going to the state fair tomorrow. Hopefully, I will get to meet you! I was just wondering what your favorite color was? I’m looking forward to seeing you at Sunday’s game! I love you! (Megan in Anderson)
A: "Hi Megan. I guess I missed you at the fair. My favorite color is navy blue."
Question for Tamika Catchings | August 16, 2006
Q: After you retire from basketball do you plan on making Indianapolis your home? (LaShay in Indianapolis)
A: “LaShay, After I retire from basketball, Indianapolis will always have a place in my heart. I can not honestly tell you if I'll live here afterwards, but if my future husband and I make the decision to raise our kids here, then that will be what it is. Only God knows."
Question for Tamika Catchings | August 16, 2006
Q: Tamika, I'm going into 6th grade this year and I love B-Ball! But the thing is I have been recently diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and I can't play ball like I'd like to, and the way my team would like me to .They think I'm slacking off, but they haven't got their facts right. It's just hard for me. What would you do, and has someone made fun of you for a medical problem before in grade school and high school? Thanks for reading this and good luck. (Makayla in New Carlisle, IN.)
A: "Makayla, We all get made fun of at some point in time. The thing is that we have to know how to handle the negative words and turn them into positives. I know that playing with Crohn's Disease has to be tough, but sometimes people just don't understand the seriousness of some things. For you, you just have to continue to do what you love- play basketball. I used to get made fun of for being different (I wore glasses, had a speech problem, and am hearing impaired), but I think that that's what has motivated me to become the player that I am today. Knowing that there were people that doubted me, and that thought I wouldn't be able to achieve my goals! Set your OWN goals, and then do whatever it takes to reach them!! Good luck and God Bless!”
Question for Tamika Catchings | August 9, 2006
Tamika, I was wondering how hard it was for you to overcome your hearing impairment. And, during college, did you have to wear hearing aids? If you did, was it weird? (Seffani)
A: "Seffani, I did wear, and still do wear my hearing aids. Although now I pretty much wear them only when I speak. The hardest part for me in being hearing impaired was just knowing, and being constantly reminded that I was different. But, I have been able to accept myself for who I am. The insecurities within me haven't totally gone away, but I accept myself for the way God has blessed me to be."
Question for Tan White | August 6, 2006
Q: Hey, Tan! I went to the July 1 game and I met your mom and dad. I was by the concession stands when your mom came up to me and thanked me for wearing your jersey. A few minutes later, your dad asked me to take a picture with a boy that I think was your brother. I was more than happy to do so. Your family was very nice. I am a big fan of yours and the rest of the Fever. Does anyone else in your family play basketball, and who is your favorite basketball player? (Erin in Greenwood)
A: “I have three sisters and one brother. My two older sisters played basketball when they were in high school, but they didn’t play anymore after that. My little brother and little sister love basketball. My brother will be going into the tenth grade this year and he loves basketball, but I don’t think he wants to make a career out of it. I have a lot of favorite basketball players. When I was growing up I liked Robert Horry when he was playing with the Houston Rockets, because I liked the way he played. And I love Kobe Bryant!”
Question for Tamika Catchings | August 6, 2006
Q: You are the best player ever! I was just wondering, how many more years do you expect to play? Good luck in the playoffs!! (Kayla in Dayton, Oh.)
A: "Kayla, I wish I knew how many more years I'll be able to play. But, God willing it will be quite a few more. As long as God continues to bless me with the ability to play, and as long as I'm able to withstand injury, I'll continue to play."
Question for Anna DeForge | August 6, 2006
Q: Anna, I was wondering if you are playing in Poland again this offseason? If so, do you have to report right after the WNBA season or is there some off time? Again, if so, will you be staying in Indianapolis or somewhere else? Good luck in the playoffs and the rest of the year. We are really glad to have you in a Fever uniform. (Sally in Beech Grove)
A: “Yes, I am playing again for Wisla Can-Pack in Krakow, Poland. I am going back for my second season, and I will report sometime in early October. So, I will get a little break, but not much!”
Question for Tamika Whitmore | August 2, 2006
Q: Hi, Tamika! First off, congratulations on what you’ve accomplished during this WNBA season; you're really amazing! What do you plan to do once this summer is over? Do you already know in which part of the world you're going play? Good luck the rest of the way, and I hope to have the opportunity to see you again soon. Go Fever! (Aurélia in France)
A: “Hi Aurelia! I have decided to play in Poland, so I’ll probably go to Hawaii to see my niece and nephew and then head over to Poland to play some more basketball.”
Question for Tan White | August 1, 2006
Q: When you're not playing basketball, what do you do in your free time? (Nicole in Garner, NC)
A: “When I am not playing basketball, I just love to relax and spend time with my family whenever I get the chance. I also like to watch TV and listen to music.”
Question for Tamika Catchings | August 1, 2006
Q: First of, I want to say I admire so much what you do on and off the court. You have such an incredible work ethic. My question is, since you are one of the leaders of the Fever, how do you keep the team motivated and playing hard if they're having a bad night or if things aren't going very well? Thanks so much for your time and good luck with the rest of the season! (Travis in Indianapolis)
A: "Travis, thanks for supporting us! I think the thing that I try to do to keep everyone motivated, no matter what, is let them know that we need 'em! My philosophy is that if you can't help in one area of the game, that shouldn't limit you in all areas of the game. So, the biggest thing is contribution on defense, rebounding, motivating someone else, or just plain remaining a team player!”
Question for Charlotte Smith | July 31, 2006
Q: Charlotte, I love the enthusiasm and support you bring to our team. You're always encouraging and "coaching" your teammates throughout the game, whether playing or not - admirable qualities! Do you have any plans to coach in the future? The WNBA could use your talent! Thanks for all you bring to our team! P.S. Do you and Tully (Bevilaqua) attend the Inferno (dance team) practices as well? (Emily in Indianapolis)
A: “I am currently coaching at the University of North Carolina, and I plan to return for my fifth season. As far as coaching in the WNBA one day, I don’t know, we’ll have to see. For right now, I’m just living in the moment and enjoying what I am doing. No, we don’t practice with the Inferno, as you should be able to tell from the way we dance, haha!! It is just fun to try to dance with them.”
Question for Tamika Whitmore | July 27, 2006
Q: You have always been one of my favorite players, but I wanted to know what did you do differently this season to help you improve your scoring average? Also, I would like to say congratulation on being named an all-star. (Nicole in Garner, N.C.)
A: "Mostly I just started shooting more. I've always tried to do what my team has asked me to do, and I'm not the third or fourth option anymore. Basically, I'm just playing my game like I always knew I could."
Question for Tamika Whitmore | July 27, 2006
Q: Tupelo is my hometown and I am so proud of you and Tan White. How nice is it to be teammates from the same hometown and the same high school basketball program? What kind of jokes do you hear about Tupelo? (Samuel in Atlanta, Ga.)
A: "It's cool that we're teammates! I'm a veteran and she's the youngster so I try to teach her as much as I can. A joke I always hear about Tupelo is the one that says, 'one below Tupelo.'"
Question for Tamika Catchings | July 26, 2006
Q: Tamika, my coach is having me practice with the juniors at Anderson High School. I am better than some of the players, and I am just now going in the 6th grade, but because I am better than some, no one will talk to me. It is discouraging, what would you do in a situation like this (Carissa in Anderson, Ind.)
A: “Carissa, I wish that I could tell you things would get easier, and that eventually you wouldn't have to deal with the jealousy, but I can't. Unfortunately, when you reach a certain level of greatness, and put yourself in a position to be really good, you get frowned upon from those who want to be at your level. For you having the opportunity to improve your game by practicing with these girls is a blessing that you shouldn't let go of. If the girls won't talk to you, so be it. God has opportunities for all of us, and you need to experience this with or without the help of your teammates.”
Question for Tamika Whitmore | July 25, 2006
Q: Is playing in Indiana different than playing in L.A. or New York? (Samantha in Indianapolis)
A: “Yes, it is definitely different, because it is about the “team” here in Indiana. In New York, we had a coach that was kind of on an island by himself. He wanted to control everything. In L.A., everything was just geared towards one person.”
Question for Tan White | July 25, 2006
Q: Hey what's up, Tan!! You're my favorite player. I really like how you steal away the ball from people and then race down the court, and go for a layup. You go girl! I just wanted to know, who inspired you as a child? You are so good at basketball that I just wondered. I'm also wondering what your recent goal or goals are. See you on the court! (Caryn in Indianapolis)
A: "My family inspired me as a child. My mom and dad always encouraged me, and as for my little sister and brother, I always wanted them to have someone to look up to, and that's how I always set my goals. They definitely inspire me. My short-term goals are just to get better as a player and keep working at my game, and to just keep working hard."
Question for Linda Fröhlich | July 22, 2006
Q: Hi Linda - Guten Tag! You are such an enthusiastic teammate whether you are on the floor or on the bench. My question is what parts of the U.S. are your favorite places to visit? (Sue in Indianapolis)
A: "Hawaii!! That is in the U.S. Since I'm traveling a lot at this point from one team to another, my favorite place is probably my home in Los Angeles. Other beautiful places in America that I like are San Francisco and San Antonio. I like cities that have a big history. I like cities that I read about in my English book and then I can say that I've been there.”
Question for Tully Bevilaqua | July 10, 2006
Q: Ounce for ounce, how do you compare yourself with your Seattle mate Lauren Jackson? I know that you are less tall and that you both have the same size heart but how did it feel when you kicked their butts in the last game against Seattle? And all the best for the rest of the season - look forward to seeing you back in the OZ for the Capitals WNBL season. (Brian in Canberra, Australia)
A: “G'Day mate! I don't think I would even start to compare myself with Lauren Jackson, even if we were to take height into consideration because she’s just an awesome player. I take each team as they come, regardless if it is Seattle or New York, an east or a west team, I approach every game the same. It’s just always nice to go back to Seattle and see some familiar faces.”
Question for Tamika Whitmore | July 9, 2006
Q: Way to go on making the All-Star Team. I have followed your career...you inspire me! What inspires you the most (what keeps you improving and playing so well game after game)? Is it better physical training or mental attitude that makes the difference (or both)?? What is your favorite thing to do besides basketball?? (Marie in Oceanside, Calif.)
A: “What inspires me most is my mom because we went through a lot of things when I was young, and how she had to survive to make it makes me always strive to do better because if she did it, I can do it. I really think it’s just a better mental attitude because I’ve pretty much stayed in the same shape. My favorite thing to do besides basketball is just hanging out and chillin’ with my mom.”
Question for La'Tangela Atkinson | July 8, 2006
Q. "How does actually playing pro basketball compare to what you thought it would be like? Will you play pro for a team overseas when the WNBA season is over? Do you have any nicknames? Thanks, best wishes and take care. (Bob Joseph in Chester, Pa.)
A. "First, playing pro basketball is actually better than I thought. The veteran players are always willing to teach and I'm willing to learn so I'm learning a lot from them in practice, and I'm just carrying it over to the games. As far as playing overseas, yes I am going overseas, but I don't know which team yet. Nicknames? Usually Tangie, Tank, Tangerine ... that’s about it."
Question for Tully Bevilaqua | June 30, 2006
Q. Hi Tully, I am a fan from Melbourne and loved watching you win the title with the Caps and the gold with the Opals. Do you get to catch up much with the other Aussies in the WNBA and discuss how you are going to take down the US in September. Go Fever and Go Opals! (Emma in Melbourne, Australia)
A. "Hi Emma! Thank you for your question. Yes, of course whenever the Fever play teams that have Austrailian players on them I love to catch up. It's always great to see a familiar face, and see someone from your own country because there are only so many of us over here. We haven't actually discussed the World Championships I must admit, we just like to get together and chit-chat about anything but basketball, I think, when we do catch up. Hopefully, come September, we'll be ready to go! Go Kangaroos!!"
Question for Anna DeForge | June 21, 2006
Q. Anna, my freshman basketball team has a lot of friction on and off the court. It makes it really stressful during games. Some of the girls cannot leave their differences off the court. What do you think I can do to help everyone get along on the court? (Kayla in Wisconsin)
A. “First of all, you should have a team meeting and tell people they don't have to respect each other off the court, but on the court they need to respect each other. Everyone is there to win and there for the same thing, to play basketball. What you do off the court shouldn't matter. It's what happens on the court that matters, and everyone needs to get that straight. If people can't settle their differences that way, you need to involve your coaches.”
Question for Tully Bevilaqua | March 29, 2006
Q. How is play in the WNBA different than the play in Australia? Also, how is the loss of Natalie Williams going to affect the team this year? Good luck!! (Maddie in Massachusetts)
A. "G'Day Maddie, thanks for your questions. Firstly, one of the main differences you will notice in the WNBA, compared to that of the WNBL in Australia, is the athleticism of the players. The WNBL also doesn't have as many tall players, and the consistency of play is better in the WNBA overall. Having said that, Australia continues to develop great players, and as a country offers the largest proportion of foreigners in the WNBA! Natalie Williams' retirement certainly left us with a big hole to fill. With the recent signings though of Tamika Whitmore, Olympia Scott and Charlotte Smith, the Fever have certainly done a great job filling this spot. We will miss Natalie for her team spirit, her contributions both on and off the court, and the fact she was a great person to have around. I look forward to your support during the season. Cheers, Tully!"
Question for Tully Bevilaqua | March 28, 2006
Q. Hi Tully! Congrats on your Caps Championship!! We miss you lots here in Seattle, but I'm really glad to see you do well in Indiana. You had an awesome season last year and I hope you do as well this year. Do you ever miss anything about Seattle? If so, what? I can't wait until you come back in July! I know you have been talking about retiring sometime soon, but I don't think you should. In my opinion you are in better shape than most of the younger players. And IF you decide to, you should do it back here in Seattle where you won the Champioship ... Just a thought! (from Katie in Seattle)
A. "Thanks for your continued support and it was a great win by the Caps this year. A big hello to everyone in Seattle. I do miss a few things about Seattle as it was a very beautiful city. The people were great and very supportive, my local breakfast joint The Mecca on Queen Anne, and of course The Kangaroo and Kiwi! I think I have been retiring for the past 4 years, but things just seem to keep getting better and better for me. While the body is holding up and I can help a team out, I'll keep on doing what I love! Take care and thanks again for your email. Cheers, Tully"
Question for K.B. Sharp | March 8, 2006
Q. I was wondering how much of a difference there is going to be playing alongside Tully than playing beside Ms. Hammon?? I would also like to know what you think of playing here in Indy??? Good luck in '06. (from Lauren in Brownsburg, Ind.)
A. "Lauren, that is a great question. They are both great players in their own right. They both play with a lot of heart, which I really admire. I learned a lot being on the same team as Becky. I loved how creative she was with the ball, and her ability to finish among the tall players. Tully is a very tenacious player who gets after it on defense, and is a great leader. I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from her, which is one of the main reasons I picked Indiana. One of the things I am looking forward to in playing in Indiana is to get a chance to play with one of the best players in the league, Tamika Catchings. She plays really hard every game, on both sides of the court. I am also excited to play with Tan White, who is one of the up-and-coming young players in the league. She brings a lot of excitement to the game. I am also excited about getting the chance to reunite with Linda Frohlich, who I played with in my first year in the WNBA. Thanks for the question, and I can't wait to get to training camp!"
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