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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 Tamika Catchings | August 4, 2005
Q. Tamika, If you werent in the WNBA what would you be doing?
(from Kelsey in Cincinnati, Ohio)
A. "Kelsey, if I wasn't in the WNBA I'd still be doing something in basketball. My dream is helping kids out. So, I'd be doing something where I could help kids."
Question for Tamika Catchings | July 28, 2005
Q. What role do you feel you have to play in terms of being the role model for young girls in the community? Thanks! (from Megan in Dover, New Hampshire)
A. "Megan, I take being a role model very seriously. I realize that by being who I am, and in the profession that I am in, I automatically am put in the eye of our young girls today. It is important for me to live my life in a positive way that I would want my child to also. I don't smoke, drink, act obnoxious, or do anything else negatively because I want girls to know that there are other ways to carry yourself, and still be a positive and successful person now and later."
Question for Kelly Miller | July 22, 2005
Q. I’m a new fan of the WNBA. Kelly Miller has become my favorite player in the whole WNBA. I was just wondering where she grew up and if she always knew that she wanted to play ball professionally? (from April)
A. "I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. I ever since I was little, it was a dream of mine to play professionally. At the time there were no women’s teams, but right before I went to college, the WNBA was started. That was when I knew for sure that it was something that I wanted to do in the future."
Question for Tan White | July 22, 2005
Q. Do you remember when you first saw someone wear your jersey? How did it feel? (from Dianne in Indianapolis)
A. "It was surprising. I didn’t really know at that time that my jersey was out. To see somebody with it on really touched me because I felt like there was somebody out there that admired me."
Question for Yolanda Paige | July 14, 2005
Q. Yolanda, what's the biggest difference between playing in college and playing in the WNBA? (Sterling in Virginia Beach, VA)
A. "The biggest difference is that everyone here is at the highest level. They can all play. Everyone plays defense very well, much better than in college. You’re also more on your own now. We [the team at Virginia Tech] used to have to eat together everyday and do other stuff like that. Now the routine has changed. "
Question for Tan White | June 21, 2005
Q. Tan, you have been doing very well so far in the WNBA. Is there anything that you would personally like to improve in your game? (from Melissa at Mississippi State University)
A. "I feel like I need to take care of the basketball better than I have. Overall, I'd like to get better defensively and learn to outwork opponents that are bigger than me."
Question for Tamika Catchings | June 15, 2005
Q. Hey Tamika. In middle school I was always the best person on our basketball team. My P.E. teacher was the high school coach and she asked me to play on the summer league with all the high schoolers. I knew I wasn't going to be the best anymore, but I can't even get them to pass me the ball. How do I earn their respect on and off the court? (from Kayla in Missouri)
A. "Kayla, the one thing that you have to do when you are younger and joining an older team is earn their respect. By that I mean, yes, we are all here to play basketball, but you have to let your teammates know that your goal is the same as theirs - to win. You are not trying to come in and be the star, you want to earn your position, and earn your time playing for this team. It's a great opportunity for you to get out there and play and learn with the older players - do what you can to gain more knowledge. I think your coach also has to make these players and you feel comfortable playing with one another. They need to hear from the coach her decision in bringing you up to play on their team. Sometimes players have a hard time playing with a younger athlete that may be equal or better than them. The key is to try to gain respect first, and show them that you belong playing with them. The rest will take care of itself."
Question for Tamika Catchings | June 9, 2005
Q. Hey Tamika. Which muscles do you concentrate on the most during the season, and how often? How often did you train before you came into the WNBA? (Krista in Slovenia)
A. “We lifted two or three times a week in college (at Tennessee). I never really lifted weights before that. During the season we don't really concentrate on any one thing. We lift every other day depending on games and do a total body workout to stay in good condition."
Question for Natalie Williams | May 31, 2005
Q. Hi, Natalie. How has being a Mom and a player been and what changes have you had to deal with? Do you ever find yourself doing things or saying things that remind you of your parents? (from Stephanie in Connecticut)
A. "The biggest thing about being a mom is that I can’t just go home and take a nap after practice. There’s not much time for rest. I’m used to going home and staying up. But it’s definitely worth it."
"I probably handle things a bit different than my mom did. My mom was fairly lenient with me, and I’m probably more strict. Also, I’m home more than she was."
Question for Kelly Miller | May 31, 2005
Q. Hello, Kelly. Do you and your sister Coco practice together in the offseason? You are both great players and a pleasure to watch. Also, do you plan on playing basketball overseas in the offseason? Thanks! (from Lynn in South Bend, IN)
A. "Coco and I live together, so we practice all the time. We have a routine with lifting weights and playing one-on-one. It’s great to have someone to shoot and rebound with."
"I do play overseas sometimes in the offseason. I played in Turkey two years ago and last year in Korea."
Question for Tamika Catchings | May 25, 2005
Q. Tamika, who are some of the players in the WNBA that you have troubles with? I am a big fan of you, Diana Taurasi, Anna Deforge and Sue Bird - how well do you and Diana get along? (from Andrea in Greensburg, Ind.)
A. “There is nobody that I really have trouble with, but there are so many great players in the WNBA that every night there is someone different that you have to focus on. As for Diana, yeah, we get along well. We've played alot together with USA Basketball and we're both a part of the WNBA's new "young" generation!"
Question for Tamika Catchings | May 12, 2005
Q. I was wondering if you could give me some tips for basketball? I play for the Johnson County Special Olympics. Are you the only child in your family? (from Liz in Indianapolis)
A. “Liz, no, I am not an only child. I have two older sisters, an older brother, and a baby brother. As far as tips for basketball ... always work on your weaknesses, and continue to work on your strengths. Basketball is a game where you have to continue to work on different aspects of your game. Pick one thing in the off-season that you really want to get better at, but don't forget to work on your overall game, as well. Good luck Liz!"
Question for Tan White | May 11, 2005
Q. Tan, do you feel that Coach [Nanci] Gray at Tupelo High School has made the greatest impact on your development as a basketball player? Or would you attribute that to someone else? (from Caleb in Tupelo, Miss.)
A. “Coach Gray made a great impact on me, mostly as a person. She was somebody that always motivated me. I think that she and my college coach (Sharon Fanning) both helped to teach me the fundamentals of the game."
Question for Natalie Williams | April 27, 2005
Q. What is your favorite food prepared by your mom? (from Tom in Chicago)
A. "It has to be the California casserole! I just love the rice and cheese!"
Question for Tamika Catchings | April 17, 2005
Q. Hey Tamika. I was just wondering how you became such a good basketball player after you did not make an AAU team in sixth grade? Did that motivate you to get better, or did you not really think about it? Thanks for your time and good luck for the rest of the season!!! Go Fever!!! ? (from Katie in Oswego, Ill.)
A. "Katie, after I didn't make the AAU team in 6th grade, that made me work that much harder. I hate to lose, and wasn't going to accept that by any means!! Not making that team was definitely a motivation for me, and helped me in the long run. Sometimes it takes some trials and tribulations to help you reach where you want to be!"
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | March 30, 2005
Q. How many players can the Fever bring to training camp? Is the roster on the website who will be coming? Will we add other players? (from Tim in Lebanon, Ind.)
A. "We will bring 18 players to training camp, but we are still working on finalizing who we want to bring to camp. After the upcoming draft, we'll be ready to announce our roster."
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | March 23, 2005
Q. You must really be excited about getting Jurgita to return to the states to play for Indiana again. I know I am! She is a fantastic player that will really enhance the post play. Does this change the way you will look at the draft? (from Melanie in Terre Haute, Ind.)
A. "We are very excited about the return of Jurgita to our team. You are correct – she is a fantastic player! I think she has really matured in her game over in Europe and I look forward to adding her experience to our post play. We will still look at the draft with taking the best player – which could be a post or a guard. We are still evaluating that scenario. Either way, Jurgita is an added bonus to our roster!"
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | March 16, 2005
Q. Does Megan Mahoney (Kansas State) have a decent chance of making it to the WNBA? She is a great player. (from Libbie in Sabetha, Kan.)
A. "I believe Megan Mahoney does have a chance of making it in the WNBA. She is a smart 'do-all' player who, if she gets on the right team, can help provide depth at several positions. Her versatility is her greatest strength. She should get a shot and then when she gets to a training camp, she will have to make a case for herself. There are many players who will be vying for a 'final' roster spot - so you never know until the end of camp!"
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | March 9, 2005
Q. I saw you and Lin Dunn at the Big Ten Tournament games. Were you watching McCarville? Was Coach Winters watching other players? (from Matt in Muncie, Ind.)
A. "Between myself and the coaching staff we have scouted six conference tournaments in the past week. And yes, we were watching McCarville as well as other senior prospects who were playing in the Big Ten Tournament. As we continue to look at signing free agents, we also look at our draft picks and how they will slot into our overall roster.”
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | March 2, 2005
Q. Why did you take Tully from the Storm?!? (from Falon in Seattle)
A. "Signing Tully Bevilaqua gives us more experience in the backcourt and positive leadership. I am very happy that she chose to sign with us. There were several teams talking to her, including Seattle. She brings tremendous energy and toughness as well as a veteran maturity level to our team. I know our fans will make her feel welcome, too!”
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | February 23, 2005
Q. Could the Fever do a pre season game at Purdue? When the Boilermakers came to Conseco for a game we saw how strong the fan base is there. The Fever could come to Purdue's campus and perhaps gain a whole new group of fans who need to "see it for themselves" before they would come out to the games at Conseco Fieldhouse. (from Slovy in Indianapolis)
A. "We actually conducted a preseason game at Purdue in 2000 and would love to return there again. Purdue has some of the most passionate women’s basketball fans in the country. I know that we have several Boilermaker fans who make the drive to Indianapolis to see our team play and we certainly appreciate that. We are always looking for way to grow our fan base and take the Fever ‘on the road’ to another site. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to play a game again in West Lafayette soon! Thanks for your support!”
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | February 16, 2005
Q. What are the chances in getting Stephanie White, Niele Ivey, Kelly Schumacher, and Kate Starbird back in 2005. What about adding Adrian Williams (San Antonio Silver Stars) seeing that she is a free agent this year? (from Lauren in Indianapolis)
A. "We are looking at all free agents available in the league including re-signing our own players. I think there will be a lot more player movement this year due to free agency. As we build our roster for the upcoming season, we also try to keep in mind the draft prospects and where they might fit in. Also, we have a hard salary cap in the WNBA, so this may affect our ability to re-sign some veteran players - not only here in Indiana, but for other teams. So ... stay tuned!”
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | February 9, 2005
Q. Will you be looking for a "true" point guard and shuffle Kelly [Miller] to shooting guard or are you looking for another big post player who can make other teams pay for double and triple teaming Tamika? (from Melanie in Terre Haute, Ind.)
A. "We are actually looking for both positions! You will most likely be seeing Kelly play more next season at her natural position which is shooting guard. She is a terrific 3-point shooter and has a nice mid-range game as well. We are looking at free agent point guards to fill in, as well as point guards who are available in the draft. And yes, we will also look to bring in more big post players. Adding size and length to our frontline is another concentration of ours as we evaluate players.”
Question for Kelly Krauskopf | February 2, 2005
Q. Last year, the Fever elected to trade the high draft pick for immediate help at point guard by obtaining Kelly Miller. This meant losing an opportunity to draft either Lindsey Whalen or Nicole Ohlde, both of whom could become All-Stars in the league for years to come. Will the Fever take the same direction for the 2005 draft? (from John in Indianapolis)
A. "We are really happy with the trade for Kelly Miller last season and also acquiring the 9th overall pick where we drafted Ebony Hoffman. We basically acquired an experienced guard who is really still young in her career and moved down several spots in the draft to pick up a strong, physical player like Ebony to help our frontline. Kelly was named the WNBA’s co-most improved player and I believe will have an outstanding career in the years to come. At this time we don’t have plans to trade the pick in the upcoming 2005 draft – but you never know what kind of offer you may get when draft day gets closer.”
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