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Wednesday, February 10th - Chris Waldmann has some questions about the snow. [permalink]

Hello again snowed in Mystics fans,

Let’s see, what to talk about? Hmmm…the Super Bowl, nah that already happened (although it was fun to see the Manning face make it’s return to television wasn’t it?) We could talk about the Caps, 14 in a row! But….this isn’t a hockey blog. What about Women’s College Basketball? Well, the conversation really starts and ends with UConn so that’s not too exciting. How about…the snow!

Yes, the snow, I’m pretty sure you’ve all seen it by now, there’s still 20 inches of it out there and the piles seems to be eight feet tall in places. Oh guess what, we’re getting more of it now! Another 10 or 20 inches to just toss on top there, isn’t winter fun? I may have mentioned this before, and if I have, please bear with me, but how is it that no one around here seems to be able to handle the snow? Now I’ll preface this by saying that yes, this was a monumental snow fall, this is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill storm, but I’ve got to believe that it would have been possible for one plow to come down my street one time in the past 96 hours. Of course, where I live is by no means a main thoroughfare that would require immediate snow removal, but people do live there! People were still getting there cars stuck on my street last night, over 48 hours after the snow had stopped! Everyone’s got their cars dug out, but half the people can’t get out due to the 4-6 inch ice shelf that is now my street. (I also love, LOVE, the Baltimore technique of holding one’s parking spot while out…put a lawn chair in it! The respect that is paid to the lawn chair in the parking spot is awe inspiring. No one, and I mean no one, dares to remove a lawn chair and steal a spot, its great!) So back to the point I was making (and to start to wrap this up), I’ve heard of people called “city planners.” To the best of my knowledge these people are paid to plan cities, help make cities run more efficiently, etc. If these people do exist, and if they exist in Baltimore (despite our recent mayoral struggles) would it not make sense that they could “city plan” to do something when it snows? That’s all I’m asking for…for someone to find a way to organize a snow removal plan that involves my street and the city not looking like a Frosty the Snowman special.

Wherever you are today (home most likely), try to stay warm and safe and enjoy the snow as it falls before you head out to shovel and try to toss it over the seven feet of snow already piled in front of you!

Take Care & Go Mystics!

Tuesday, February 9th - Julie Plank to the rescue...read all about it. [permalink]

Hello Mystics Fans!

It has been an unusual week in DC, with all the snow coming down! I was fortunate to get out this morning early, as Alana was “up at the crack of dawn” and ready to work! There is one thing about Alana…she rarely takes a day off! I was so thankful that I could get there, and kept thinking all day how I could help make a difference for someone? I think Natalia was tired of me saying the entire day, "I wish I could help people!" :)

Well, it did happen…the highlight of my day…while walking into my building, I noticed a woman and her young 5 year old daughter trying to cross the street. She seemed pretty frantic about how she was going to manage the snow. After asking if I could help, she said that “she was trying to figure out how she was going to get to the grocery store”. This was my chance to make a difference! My response was…"jump in…I am going to take you there!" How wonderful it felt, as I waited for them to do their shopping, and then drove them home. Those are the “little things” that matter, and make me the happiest. Mission accomplished!!!

How about that HUGE win by the New Orleans Saints? What an awesome performance, as both the players and the staff demonstrated a “refuse to lose” attitude throughout the entire game. It was extremely fun to watch, and I am so proud for the city of New Orleans. It will be amazing to see the celebration that takes place today, as the parade comes to town. You have to admire their gutsy play, as they win their first Super Bowl Championship!

Congratulations to the Capitals, as they have won their 14th straight game! What a huge win last night, as they got an OT victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, after trailing 4-1. How exciting for Alex Ovechkin to record a “Hat Trick” in the process! Let’s keep the excitement going in DC!

The college season rolls on, as the top players continue to shine! Tina Charles dominates on both ends of the floor, and definitely shows why she will be the #1 pick for the Connecticut Sun, in April. The Sun will have a different look, with the addition of Renee Montgomery (traded for Lindsey Whalen), Charles, and also free agent Kara Lawson. Kara will help them a great deal, as she brings the ability to play either guard spot, and can score some points. Her intangibles should help the young players on that team. I cannot imagine not seeing Lindsey Whalen in a Connecticut Sun uniform!

The other top college players making a difference for their respective teams include... Guards: Riley (Oklahoma State), Prince (overseas), Lacey (Iowa State), Rack (Miss St), and Houts (Georgia); Wings: Wright (Virginia), Hightower (LSU), Greene (Conn), Thomas (Miss) and Clark (Middle Tenn St); and Posts: Appel (Stanford), Griffin (Nebraska), Harris (Xavier), Smith (Ilinois), and Monroe (Florida St). These are just the well-known names, with a few “sleeper picks” out there, looking to make WNBA rosters.

I would like to recognize Angela Taylor, as she was honored along with her Stanford teammates, as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first National Title in Stanford history, this past weekend in California. Ironically, Angela was also on the 2nd National Championship team two years later, in 1992. Also ironic, is the fact that she has not made it back to our 3 feet of snow, here in DC! :) While Angela was the epitome of hard work & commitment, she was extremely unselfish and a total team player! Those same qualities have made her one of the very best executives in our business world of the WNBA. I know I am extremely fortunate to be able to work with Angela on a daily basis!

With training camp about 2 1/2 months away, our staff is working extremely hard to get ready for 2010. I hope you will do your part, and purchase your season tickets. You don’t know how much it means to our staff and players to have the rowdy crowds packed in the Verizon Center. Why not lead the WNBA in attendance yet once again?

Till next time,
Coach Plank

Monday, February 8th - Due to the inclement weather, there will not be a blog posting today.

Friday, February 5th - Crystal Hudson gets ready for Snowmageddon and the Super Bowl. [permalink]

Happy Friday everyone!! I’m sure we’re all eagerly awaiting the impending snow storm for one reason or another. Some of us might be thrilled to break out our newly purchased inflatable sleds, while others are waiting to see whether they’ll actually make it to that Super Bowl party they’ve been looking forward to since the start of the new year.

I never really make big plans for the Super Bowl myself. In fact, every year I usually wait until the last minute and then base my decision on the size and quality of the viewing screen, whether or not I’ll be forced to consume snacks my body will later revolt against, the regional makeup (and team alliances) of the company I’ll be in, and of course, the type of alcoholic beverages assured to be in stock.

With the snow storm promising to be a menace, however, my Super Bowl party invitations have either been reneged or put on hold (until Sunday, when my motivation to leave the house will likely be minuscule). So it’s looking like I’ll be watching the game on my own viewing screen, without any snacks – healthy or otherwise (because I’m one of the few who has not yet purchased a month’s worth of groceries to get me through two days of snow), rooting against only the Colts fans CBS cares to expose me to, and drinking my preferred beer/wine/liquor of choice.

So whether you’ll be joy-riding in the area streets and parks on your fancy new sleds; hording your month’s supply of chips, salsa, beer and water; or watching Super Bowl XLIV solo…I wish you all a wonderful, white weekend!!

Until next time,
Crystal

Thursday, February 4th - Alana Beard shares what she's been up to during the off-season. [permalink]

Hey Mystics fans!

I am sure you all are curious about what I have been up to since the conclusion of the WNBA season, right (if you're not, just read anyways :-)? Well, I'm actually on the plane headed home to Shreveport, Louisiana for my mom’s surprise 50th birthday party (shhhh)! Let me tell you, planning for this woman is so hard! She wanted to throw her own 50th party. She had it all planned out in her head. The only thing my sister and I could do is shake our heads. We had to tell her friends to cancel on her! Our mom is a "hoot!" If you don't believe me, just wait until you meet her :-). I don't know what I would do without her though. I'm excited because this is the first time since college that I've been able to be home to celebrate it. Other than planning my mom’s 50th, I've been in "crazy" workout mode. I've been doing hot yoga (exhaustion), boxing (never fought in my life, just imagine those punches), working out with Coach Julie Plank everyday and flew to Tampa a few weeks ago to work with Marvin Harvey on my shot. We totally analyzed every aspect of my shot and found reasons as to why my shot may be a bit inconsistent. I was there for five days and spent at least 6.5 hours in the gym each day.

I love routine, so this is absolute bliss for me :-)! It may not be “absolute bliss" for Coach Plank because I like to get up early and get my workouts out of the way, so that I have the full day to myself. I start my day at 5:15 a.m. if I'm doing yoga and straight from yoga I shoot over to Verizon Center to be there by 8:30 a.m. I usually get out of there around 10-10:30 a.m. and home just in time to catch "The View"!

Coach has been good for me. This is the first time that I've actually had the opportunity to work with my coach during the offseason. It’s great because she gives me feedback as she sees it and in my opinion there's no one better to get it from than someone who has watch every single game you've played over and over. With Coach, it’s about the little things and I really appreciate it. I love having my game depicted (by my coach, not wanna-be coaches, LOL) and being told what I need to improve on in order to be a better player.

I had my first Kobe experience when the Lakers came to DC to play the Wizards. It’s weird because I don't get excited about players, celebrities, nothing. I just admire their talents. However, I was excited to see Kobe play in person. I think it was the idea of just getting close enough (had great seats, lucky me) to see the actual ball in his hands, being able to see the placement of his hands, the footwork and his vision. If I had the chance to pick his brain, you would be there for hours because I would have question after question. It’s clear as to why he's so good (he puts in the time), but I would love to know the thought process. The documentary, “Kobe Doing Work”, wasn't enough for me :-). Thanks for letting me spend a little of my time with you all. I have got to peel myself out of bed. I'm usually awakened to the smell of some eggs and biscuits when I'm home but we can't let Mom cook on her day! However, tomorrow, oh, "it’s on like a chicken bone!" I’ll let you know how good that gumbo was. Whoop whoop, can't wait.

Bye!
Alana

Wednesday, February 3rd - Maria Giovannetti talks snow, smart phones and Superbowl. [permalink]

Hello Mystics Faithful,

I hope this blog finds everyone warm in the fury of our winter wonderland. I have not seen this much snow in my lifetime and it does not look like it will let up anytime soon. I’m a summer person, but I’ve actually enjoyed the beauty of the winter weather this season.

This morning at the gym I was on the treadmill and made a snap judgment of the person running next to me…workaholic. In the course of a 45 minute run, this person checked their blackberry no less than seven times. Each time they would stop the treadmill, read the message, respond and cranked the treadmill back up to a run pace. I was getting stressed out just watching him! In this moment I was reminded why I have made the choice not to give into getting a blackberry or iPhone…yet.

Shifting gears; Saints or Colts? I’m a Redskins fan, but for the sake of having a team to cheer for, I’ll be pulling for the Saints. Truth be told, I’m actually more excited for the commercials than I am for the football game itself. The last I read these companies paid $3 million for one thirty second ad. This year should be very interesting with Pepsi pulling out and the controversy over the anti-abortion ad. Website of the week: www.superbowl-commercials.org.

My goal between today and Friday is to find a good sled. I want to hit the hills at least once before winter comes to an end. Stay warm and safe this weekend!
Maria

Tuesday, February 2nd - Angela Taylor recaps the latest in her world. [permalink]

Hey Mystics Fans,

Yay…it’s February!

The long-awaited free agency signing period officially began with a quiet start on the 1st, but I anticipate that there will be a lot of activity around the league in the upcoming days and weeks. No news to report here in DC just yet, but keep checking www.washmystics.com for the heads up about any big announcements that may take place.

Tomorrow (February 3rd) is National Girls and Women in Sports Day!!!

Thanks to all of the parents and coaches who brought your girls out on Sunday to our National Girls and Women in Sports Day clinic at the Wisconsin Place Recreation Center. Despite Saturday’s snow & the messy roads, we had a great turnout for the clinic and were impressed with how hard each of the attendees worked throughout the morning. Of note, was Coach Christy Winters Scott’s technique during a game of CLUMP! She definitely used her wingspan to maneuver her way into the last few rounds of the game!!

Thanks also to those who attended the NGWSD event prior to the Duke at Maryland game on January 24th. It was an honor to sit on a panel with a women’s basketball legend in Nancy Lieberman, a pioneer in Val Ackerman, and a visionary in Dr. Debbie Yow. It was quite an empowering night for those of us whose lives have been impacted through sports. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or an administrator we all are so much better off because the doors are now open for women & girls to pursue their dreams through sports as a result of Title IX and those who continue to fight for increased opportunities around the country.

Congrats to Kobe on becoming the Lakers’ All-Time Scoring Leader on Monday night. It’s somewhat ironic that he eclipsed the previous mark (set by Jerry West) against the team (the Memphis Grizzlies) that West put together.

I haven’t been particularly interested in recent Super Bowls, since my Cowboys have been shutout for almost two decades, but this year I think I will pay attention to more than just the commercials. It really would be nice to see the Saints bring home their first Super Bowl trophy after years of sub-par seasons & stadiums filled with fans wearing paper bags. How amazing would it be for that city, which is still in the midst of rebuilding, to head into Mardi Gras with a Super Bowl victory.

Welcome, officially to the Tulsa Shock. It’s fitting that after the Detroit Shock staked a claim on WNBA history, that the new franchise keeps the name & will allow those memories to live on.

Thanks to the Mohegan Sun for hosting the 2010 WNBA All-Star Game. I look forward to seeing a few Mystics stars displaying their talents during that game in July for either the USA National Team or the WNBA All-Stars!!!

Well this is an exciting week for me. We will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the first NCAA National Championship in Women’s Basketball for Stanford University after Sunday’s USC @ Stanford game out in Palo Alto. First, I can’t believe it’s been TWENTY YEARS! Oh my how time flies. While many of us keep in close contact, it will be nice to reunite for some laughs and to reminisce. Sounds like the coaches, many of the players, managers, trainers, and other support staff will be on hand. Hopefully there aren’t too many photos of those atrocious sweaters I used to wear & that 80’s coif that leaves me shaking my head.

We appreciate Tara and her staff inviting us all back to celebrate with the Stanford fans & her 2010 team. Who knows, maybe championship #3 takes place on the anniversary of the first. I’m sure I will have some great photos to share in my next blog.

Well, Mystics fans…we’re less than three months away from training camp, so it’s never too early to reserve your seats! I know I’ve said it before, but 2010 is going to be an incredible season down at the Verizon Center & we look forward to seeing you all there giving us the best home court advantage in the WNBA!

Until Next Time…

Go Mystics,
Angela

Monday, February 1st - Dave Deal is still waiting... [permalink]

Still waiting … that is where my wife, Jen, and I find ourselves as we enter February. If you recall from my last submission to the Pass the Ball Blog in early December, we are expecting the birth of our first little one and are now a mere FOUR days from the due date of February 5. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival and after what I would call a “knock on the door” on January 25, I honestly expected a January baby. But, here we are in February and still waiting ...

We are very excited though and have received great support from our friends and family, including my fellow colleagues here at the Mystics who surprised me recently with a terrific basket full of various baby-related items and a baby-tub complete with a shower – how cool is that?? We’re very thankful for their generosity and I am blessed to be working with such a great crew.

On a Mystics Camps front, we are now scheduled for 18 camps located throughout the Greater Washington area. Registration is now open - sign up today as the spots will fill up quickly. The camp information, including the complete schedule and registration links, is available by clicking on the Camps & Clinics tab on the Mystics homepage or directly at www.WashingtonMystics.com/Camps.

It’s going to be a great summer as we officially open our first season of summer camps – don’t miss out on your chance to PRACTICE YOUR FUN-DAMENTALS and learn from the professionals!

See you at camp!
Dave

Click here for the Mystics staff blog archive.