Catchings

INDIANAPOLIS (June 14, 2002) -- Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings has been selected to receive the WNBA Community Assist Award for her community outreach throughout the offseason. Since being selected in the first round of the 2001 WNBA draft, Catchings has made an immediate impact in the Indianapolis area. Her commitment to the community was evidenced by her community activities throughout the offseason.

During the WNBA offseason, Catchings visited over 20 Indianapolis Public Schools during the "For Every Victory Earns Respect" (F.E.V.E.R.) speaking tour. Her message included promoting the importance of an education, setting goals and how she became a professional basketball player. Ultimately, she promoted that for every goal accomplished, a victory is gained, which in turn earns respect from others as well as self-respect.

"I'm honored to receive this award from the WNBA," Catchings said. "I had a lot of fun visiting all the Indianapolis schools during the off-season, and receiving this award is very special. I truly do enjoy getting out and talking with the children in the community and I look forward to having many more chances in the future."

Catchings was among the sixteen players from each of the WNBA teams honored by the WNBA for their offseason commitment to their communities. The other players honored by the WNBA are Dawn Staley, Charlotte Sting; Rushia Brown, Cleveland Rockers; Deana Nolan, Detroit Shock; Tammy Jackson, Houston Comets; Mwadi Mabika, Los Angeles Sparks; Ruth Riley, Miami Sol; Val Whiting-Raymond, Minnesota Lynx; Sue Wicks, New York Liberty; Katie Douglas, Orlando miracle; Adrain Williams, Phoenix Mercury; Stacey Thomas, Portland Fire; Ruthie Bolton, Sacramento Monarchs; Natalie Williams, Utah Starzz; Tausha Mills, Washington Mystics.

The WNBA will donate $500 in the name of each off-season award winner to the charity of her choice. Throughout the 2002 WNBA season, the league will select one player from across the league for the Community Assist Award. The WNBA will donate $5,000 to the charity of the winner's choice.