Throughout the off-season, LynxBasketball.com will introduce you to members of the Lynx staff. We'll discuss their role with the team and also inform you on what they're like outside of the office. This week we've started with Chad Cardinal, a Lynx ticket sales representative and native of Minnesota. He's in his rookie season with the Lynx and he's excited to be part of the team.

Before getting to the questions, we'll start off with Lynx Vice President of Business Development, Angela Taylor's comments on Chad - who was one of five Lynx staff-members to correctly pick the Colts as Super Bowl XLI winners.

"We are so lucky to have Chad on board. Not only does he have a great left-hand jumper, but he also brings so much energy & sincerity to our sales staff. As a former athlete, he is someone who extremely competitive, self-motivated, and a team player. As a person, he is caring and compassionate. All of which are huge assets to the Lynx organization along with his desire to be a part of packing the Target Center and bringing a WNBA Championship to his hometown!"
-Angela Taylor, Lynx Vice President of Business Development

How long have you been working for the Lynx and what brought you here?
I've been working with the Lynx since October. I was a Sports Management major and I've always wanted to work for a major sports franchise and it's home. Ever since I was a little kid I have been going to Lynx and Wolves games, so when they said that wanted me it was a no brainier.

Why is working for the Lynx important to you?
Working for Lynx empowers me. I feel lucky to be able to work in women's athletics. I enjoy being part of a permanent change in the way of leveling the playing field in terms of gender.

What role do you have with the Lynx?
I am part of a great sales team. We are responsible for packing the Target Center for all Lynx home games. Playoffs included! People come to us to buy memories.

Where are you from?
I grew up in Brooklyn Park, just 10 miles north of Minneapolis. I went to Champlin Park High School where I played baseball, basketball and football. I went to junior college in Iowa for two years. After that I went a to Mayville State University in North Dakota. Now I'm back in Brooklyn Park, but I am moving to Minneapolis in a few weeks.

What's your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
P.F. Chang's. I'm big on Chinese food. I like the Mongolian grill and the lettuce wraps are as good as they get. You give me Chinese food and I am happy.

What are you most likely to be doing on a day off?
On my last day off I got up pretty early, caught up on some laundry. I enjoy being active and working out. I like going to the horse track in the summers. I'm not a big better, but I like the idea of picking a horse and the strategy behind that. I enjoy reading as well. Other than that I like to lay low and hang out with my family and friends.

If you could have any job (other than the one you currently have), what would it be?
Not that I'm qualified for it, but if I were; I'd like to be the Pope.

If you could have lunch with any three people, who would they be?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Andy Warhol and Ted Williams. I would like to have a meal with Dr. King to learn something that no book or magazine article has told me about him. Warhol because he lived life on his terms and made it big. Not too many people can say they lived life on the way they wanted to and were successful at it. Williams because he stood for everything a baseball player should be. He also risked his life by flying over 40 successful flights for the US Marines. He is the reason why I wore number 9.

Who is your preferred Minnesota celebrity - Louie Anderson or Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig?
I think Louie Anderson because of the longevity of his career. He's still well known and you'll see him courtside at some Wolves games. My personal favorite would be Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He was one of my high school football coaches for a couple years, even when he was Governor. I offered him $5 to say my name during his CNN interview, and he did. I still owe him $5 though.

What is your all-time favorite song/movie?
867-5309 (Jenny) by Tommy Tutone . It's just a catchy tune; I lose control on the dance floor when I hear that song. My favorite current radio play song is "Promise" by Ciara. I can listen to any Brian McKnight album cover to cover. My favorite movies are Fight Club and Tommy Boy.


Would you rather go to a Gophers (any sport), Twins, Vikings or Wild game?
I am a fan of all of them, but I would have to say Twins all the way. I make it to a handful of each teams games a year.


What's the best Minnesota invention - post-it notes, roller blades or staplers?
I'm partial to post-it notes. My dad works for 3M. In order to be allowed back at the Christmas table, I'll have to say post-it notes. I do put a lot of miles on my roller blades in the summer though.

What would your theme song be if you were to be introduced at a game?
Stand up and Shout by Steel Dragon.

LYNX TRIVIA
Chad's knowledge of the Lynx franchise was tested with five questions about the Lynx past and present. We've posted his response beneath each question and after the question we'll post the correct answers along with details of Chad's results.

1. Who is the franchise leader in points?
Katie Smith.

2. Name one of the two opponents the Lynx have faced in the playoffs? (Two guesses allowed)
Sacramento - Los Angeles Sparks.

3. Who is the Lynx first head coach (also the general manager)?
Brian, something with an "A."

4. Who was the seventh selection in the 2006 WNBA Draft?
The best thing to come out of Canada since Steve Nash--Shona Thorburn.

5. Which college has been represented the most on the Lynx roster?
University of Connecticut--can't go wrong with that guess, right?

TRIVIA ANSWERS
1. Chad was correct with Katie Smith - there was no hesitation on his part. Although he was offered bonus points on how many points Smith scored in Lynx uniform, he wasn't accurate on that guess. The correct answer is 3,605.

2. Although the question was just to get one of the two playoff opponents, Chad was given two guesses to see if he'd nail them both. He was off with the Sacramento pick, but redeemed himself with the Los Angeles selection.

3. The correct answer is Brian Agler. He was close with knowing the first name and that the last name started with an "A," so we'll give him a half point for this one.

4. Chad was correct with Shona Thorburn. With Shona staying in Minnesota this off-season, he may have taken some abuse in the office if he was incorrect with this one.

5. Connecticut is not the correct answer and, to be fair, this is a difficult question. The correct answer is Stanford with five players. Bonus points to those of you who knew that the five players are: Kristin Folkl, Kate Paye, Charmin Smith, Val Whiting-Raymond, Susan King Borchardt.