PhoenixMercury.com caught up with the UC Santa Barbara product and got her thoughts on this off-season and the exciting Mercury season that lies ahead.

PhoenixMercury.com: Overall how do you feel last season went for the team?

Kayte Christensen: I feel last season went well being that we were a young team who did not have a lot of experience playing together as a team. There were some definite bright spots that showed our talent and then there were some lows that showed our youth. The last five games of the season I believe were a testament to our youth.

PhoenixMercury.com: What did you do this offseason?

Christensen: I stayed here in Phoenix. I bought my first home so I put a lot of time and energy into making it my own. I, of course, did my usual offseason training routine. I also, most importantly, started my own Wedding and Event planning business. I had spent the last year going through certification course in professional wedding consulting, and was ecstatic to begin the exciting and scary process of starting my own business.

PhoenixMercury.com: Did you take any vacations or take any time off during the break?

Christensen: I have taken some small vacations here and there. I will be visiting my family ranch in April to help my parents build some fence, paint barns, and the standard spring upkeep. My boyfriend is taking me on a three day vacation to Santa Barbara about a week before camp starts so that should be a nice break before the heat of summer hits Phoenix.

PhoenixMercury.com: What did you do to stay in shape for the upcoming season?

Christensen: Usual things. I did a lot of cardio, weight training, individual basketball skill training. I played three times a week at a church in downtown Phoenix so I could play against guys to challenge me strength-wise as well as be able to work on the individual skills I focused on.

PhoenixMercury.com: What are your team goals for the upcoming season?

Christensen: My team goals for this season are hard to say now. Usually, team goals are goals that you decide upon after training camp once the final roster is established. However, I can say I am sure one of the goals will be playoff oriented!

PhoenixMercury.com: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?

Christensen: My personal goals are always to give my team everything I can, be that hustle, defense, or a positive attitude. I have focused a lot on improving and adding to my offensive low post/shooting skills.

PhoenixMercury.com: What do I like most about Phoenix?

Christensen: Other than the fact that we have great fans, Phoenix is a beautiful place to live in the offseason. My teammates don’t get to enjoy Phoenix and what it has to offer because they are here during the hottest time of year. But there is a lot to do here no matter what your interests.

PhoenixMercury.com: What do you like the least about Phoenix?

Christensen: May through September! (The HEAT)