Log on to WashingtonMystics.com every day to read what Mystics players, coaches and staff are sharing with fans (and each other). Players, coaches and staff rotate throughout the week, with Mystics COO, Greg Bibb, checking in every Thursday.
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Friday, November 20th - Rob Hur introduces himself to the Mystics fans. [permalink]
Hello Mystics corporate sponsors, partners…and fans,
The greeting presumes we’re all Mystics fans. Regardless of whether you’re invested emotionally, through your hard earned dollars OR you’re the head of a marketing organization which has chosen to partner with our franchise, we’re all fans…and for that we’re very appreciative!!
While our season and group ticketing staff is tirelessly working to retain and/or win your support, our corporate sponsorship team is equally committed to the task of earning your business by building upon a tremendous 2009 wave of momentum. Inspired by our executive leadership and a staff of talented and dedicated individuals, those committed folks introduced 13 new 2009 partners to the value of doing business with the Mystics. Think about it, no other sports team in Washington can offer quite the perfect storm that we can – Our fan base is largely women and families which for many is a marketers dream. Our corporate packaging opportunities are highly affordable. Our world class women’s athletes are enthusiastic and accessible to our partners. Our team is leading its league in attendance averaging over 11,000 on a nightly basis. We have a young and talented nucleus of players including two stars with local collegiate ties (U of MD). We play in a world-class venue in downtown Washington. Our organization and players demonstrate a year-round commitment to the community. We have virtually anything a corporate sponsor would want in a marketing platform. And our commitment is to always over-deliver wherever possible. What’s not to love!!
In my short time on board I have been struck by the enthusiasm, dedication and team philosophy that permeates throughout the franchise. There is a genuine belief…check that, a conviction that we’ve got something special to offer our fans, corporate partners and the community at large. Just as this is the time of year where individuals are thinking about their 2010 ticket commitments, so too are businesses. I realize many of the area’s corporate leaders and influencers are developing marketing plans and strategies for the coming year. I also recognize the challenges many industries face in this tough economy. It is because of and not in spite of that I invite you to engage and examine how we can help your business. Being selective and careful in how you invest your marketing dollars has never been more critical. We know sports marketing fundamentally outperforms traditional marketing…the research proves it. But the sports team’s business model better reach and impact your target customer. Fortunately for us, we clearly stand apart from the rest so there’s little room for ambiguity. Look – We’re not for everyone…and I’m just barely smart enough to know that. But for many, whereby our abilities and characteristics align with the consumers and objectives that drive your products and services, we can’t possibly talk soon enough!
In the days/weeks ahead I look forward to meeting many of you for the first time and to renewing past relationships with those I already know. In doing so, I trust we will both find the potential opportunities to be both enlightening and hopefully fruitful. As the new guy on board, I can only humbly convey how happy I am to be here. This time of year seems to further accentuate those blessings. To all of you, here’s to a happy/healthy holiday season and New Year. Oh, and don’t forget to save your leftover turkey…sometimes those next day sandwiches are even better than the meal :)
Go Mystics!!
Rob
Thursday, November 19th - Tim Gallant looks forward to his camping trip and the Thanksgiving holiday. [permalink]
Good Day Mystics Fans,
I hope everyone has been having a splendid fall and is now ready for the holiday madness. While it seems that I say this every year, I believe that this year especially, Thanksgiving seems almost an after thought with all the holiday shopping specials and festive décor in the shop windows. Not that it is a bad thing, but let us give T-day a chance shall we?
This weekend I am thrilled by the prospect of going to Old Rag Mountain for a camping trip. Now for those of you who don’t know me personally, I can not say that I am by any means Bear Grylls, (Star of the show Man vs. Wild), but I do love to get out there away from it all on occasion and live the rugged life. There is something about carrying knives, fishing, setting up tents and preparing fires that is instinctively cool to every guy. Throw in some good company and warm conversation under the stars and you have a recipe for success. If you can’t tell, I am excited.
It is after this, that I will head for Massachusetts with the Gallant family to visit relatives in Westford for Thanksgiving. I would have to say that although Christmas is my favorite holiday, T-day is a close, close second. I love it all. The food, the football, the family. In years past, I have actually stayed in my pajamas until dinner time to allow for maximum comfort while my mom slaves away downstairs. My drink of choice for this day is IBC’s Root Beer, and has been that way for 15+ years. But this year will be a bit different, which will actually be refreshing. In the morning, we are going to tailgate, (in the high school sense, Dunkin Donuts and coffee; not the college sense), for the Westford football game which my not so little cousin is playing in this year. I know Joe will do great and I am excited to see them take the W.
After Thanksgiving, on that Saturday is my Aunt Susan’s 50th Birthday, and we are all happy to be able to spend the day up there and celebrate with her. Overall, it should be a great couple of weeks and there is nothing like ringing in the holiday season with family and friends. And if you hear about 6 or 7 donks who got chased by a bear over the weekend, try not to shake your head in disappointment.
That’s all for now,
Tim
Wednesday, November 18th - Eboni Tyler talks about 30 Prizes in 30 Days. [permalink]
Mystics Fans,
With the Thanksgiving Holiday approaching, we are spending our time carving out great ideas for next season. Fresh ideas are pouring in from all departments here in the Mystics Office. We want to make sure that you know that we are all in and we want you to be as well. Renewal 2010… It is all about 30 PRIZES IN 30 DAYS! YES, you heard me right we are giving out a prize everyday. Big ticket items have already been given away and even BIGGER items are yet to come. Check out some of the prizes that are still up for grabs here. For all of you that already locked in for 2010, and those that renew today or during the designated 30-day span through November and December, you will be entered into a daily drawing for one of those awesome prizes. The quicker we can lock you in for 2010, the better your chances to win one of the remaining prizes!
I can’t say it enough we want YOU back for 2010 as we make our way to the championship stage. You have got to admit that we have the talent here; all that is missing is you. And if you have already renewed Thank You! We need you to lock in for 2010.This season showed that we have improved on a lot of the areas that a lot of you said that we were lacking. I am telling you this was Awesome so you know what next season is looking to be BIGGER and BETTER. You feel it! I feel it! With that in mind there are still some great ways to lock in for 2010. If you wanted to stretch out your payments over a 4 month period you still have time. Your payments will be taken as follows: today and your next payment will be January 15th, February 15th, and March 15th. We also still have 50% today with the 2nd 50% due on March 15th. And of course 100% Paid in Full is always available. We want you back.
At this time of Thanksgiving celebration, our thoughts turn to you with warm appreciation. Your confidence and loyalty are deeply cherished. I extend best wishes to you for health and happiness this Thanksgiving Day. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your Mystics Account.. And don’t forget to checkout our 30 PRIZES IN 30 DAYS!
Gobble Gobble!
GO MYSTICS!
Don’t miss out on an Exciting Season!!
Entertain Friends, Family, Clients and of course Yourself!!!
Mystics full season plans are currently on sale!
Call me today...
- Eboni Tyler
Tuesday, November 17th - Coach Julie Plank checks in. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Fans!
It is that time of year again…the beginning of college basketball! For all of us WNBA coaches, the evaluation time has begun! Now is when we will be tuned into our televisions every night, to watch all the top collegiate players across the country. We will spend a lot of time gathering statistics, articles, highlights, and background information on these players. The other way to get to know them is by watching their practices. You are able to see how they interact with their teammates, how hard they work, what skills they possess, & what intangibles they bring to the table. Practices allow us to see how well they listen, and how they take feedback from their coaches. All of these things are important to the evaluation process. It is not just about their skills, but how they can interact with others, and what they can bring to a "team".
After evaluating the 2009 season, we will be looking hard to impact our roster in a couple of areas. First of all, we will try to get bigger. With only 2 players over 6’3, that will be a priority! There are some quality big players in this class lead by Jane Appel (Stanford) and Tina Charles (Conn). Others to watch would be: Robinson (GA), Monroe (Florida St), Harris (Xavier), DeHaan (MSU), Smith (Illinois), and a few others. The other need would be to evaluate our back-up point guard situation. While we are hoping that all of our players improve, we have to find a way to give Lindsey Harding more of a rest. The top point guards in this senior class are: Riley (Okla St), Houts (GA), Gray-Lawson (Cal), & Prince (overseas). With the #7 pick in the draft, we hope to cover these needs of our team.
As most of you noticed in the WNBA finals, there is a tremendous value in having veterans & experience on your team. Many of those players have played (& won) at the highest level. This is where the free agent market comes into play. We will be looking to add more players with playoff experience, and a "championship mentality". They understand firsthand what it takes, and can share their experiences with our young & extremely talented nucleus. With Minnesota and Sacramento securing the #1 and #2 picks in the 2010 draft, we will speculate what their rosters may look like, and see who might be expendable? While talent and ability are important, it is also necessary to have quality people who compliment our current roster. There is so much that goes into "putting the puzzle together".
That chemistry can take us a long way in achieving our ultimate goal…winning a WNBA championship in DC!!!
That’s all for now…I will leave you with my Top 10 Questions of the Week:
1. Can anyone beat the Connecticut women?
2. How will Maryland’s incoming frosh impact the Terps season?
3. How many goals will Alex Ovechkin score in his first game back?
4. Will the Wizards & company be able to handle LeBron & Shaq?
5. Does winning ever get old for the BCS bound Ohio State football team?
6. Which Mystics player will win the 2010 Most Improved Award?
7. Will the Lynx be in the Eastern or Western Conference in 2010?
8. Will the Basket Cases continue to write awesome blogs?
9. Who will be the Final Four women’s teams in San Antonio?
10. Will Angela be cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year?
Talk to you soon,
Coach Plank
Monday, November 16th - Nicole Jones had an eventful October. Read all about it. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Fans,
Can you believe that it’s the middle of November already? This past month has actually been pretty busy for me. I hope that you’re sitting down, because I’m sure my recount of events will blow you away.
For starters, I was so excited for the first weekend in October. Maxwell is one of my favorite R&B artists and he was the headliner for the concert that weekend. My boyfriend and I had a double date and a GREAT time with our friends at the concert. That was by far the best concert that we have gone to in a while – from top to bottom. I’m sure that everyone who was lucky enough to join us would agree.
Next on the lineup was a weekend getaway with my boyfriend. He had told me about our secret excursion a few weeks beforehand. But with little details, I was curious for what was in store. I had no clue where we were going or what we were doing. All I was told was to “pack a bag”. This instruction just made me anxious. I asked him every day to tell me where we were headed. To my surprise, he actually managed to keep the destination confidential. On the road, I finally realized that we were going to Philly. Upon our arrival, I still didn’t know why we were there; Temple’s Homecoming wasn’t for another two weeks.
As I started to get ready for our dinner reservations, I noticed how weird he was acting. He just seemed nervous and unlike his usual playful self. After I finally got myself together and was ready to walk out the door, he tells me to come sit and look at something on the computer. In my mind, I’m saying “OK. Can’t this wait? I’m hungry. I still don’t know why we’re here. But ok.” So I sit and he’s put together this wonderful Power Point presentation explaining why we’re here, how much he loves me, what he has planned for the weekend and so forth. At the end of the slide show was a slide that said to come get my gift. What gift you ask? Well, it was around the time of our dating anniversary, but he’s never done anything this extravagant and out of state before. (So of course I’ve been suspicious this whole time, but didn’t want to get my hopes up. Ladies, you know what I mean.) As it turns out, the present is a beautiful, silver bracelet watch. I say thank you, but still manage to show my confusion.
He tells me that he wants to do it again, but record it on his new camera for some reason. I go along with it and watch the slideshow again. This time turns out to be different. Inside the watch box is another box. Inside that, a beautiful engagement ring that he picked out all by himself. He drops down and asks me to marry him. After the initial shock wears off, of course I say “YES”. To top off the night, he takes me to a restaurant that I had always wanted to go to while I lived in Philly, but never managed to go…PERFECT. I was floating on top of the world and ready to start the planning process. But that’s not where this story ends.
The very next week, life is great, exciting and new. I cannot wipe this smile off of my face. Everyone in the office is excited for me. The number one question after my announcement is, “when is the date?” I don’t understand this because it’s been less than a week since it happened. Other than this, everything is normal. So when Thursday rolls around, I go through the usual motions. I recently joined a recreational kickball team. This was my first team sport of any kind since….EVER! I thought it would be a fun way to get some exercise and meet some new people. As fate would have it, I’m not so bad at it, or so I thought. Hindsight tells me that this Thursday was quite different.
We normally drive to the games after work. But with tickets to the Capitals game later that night, we decided it was better to take the Metro there and back. As we gather with the team to do our pregame drills, we share the good news. Then, we notice that one of our friends just so happened to bring their dog to the game. Harmless right? So you would think. Hindsight just points out that this was out of the ordinary. As the game starts, my team manages to score a run and I end up at third base. With two outs, I’m ready to run on any and everything. The ball is kicked and I manage to start running towards home plate. As I approach, I hear a teammate yell out “ball”. I interpreted this as a heads up that the ball was coming towards my direction. I speed up. As I tag the plate with my right foot, I watch it turn outward further than it is designed to go. At the same time, I hear something snap and I find myself falling to the ground. It was bad…VERY BAD. I was lucky enough to have an EMT on hand disguised as a referee and good friends to call 911 for an ambulance and try to keep me calm while I lay there staring at the sky waiting. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks here.
Long story short, I make it to the hospital only to wait another hour and a half in the emergency room - still with no medicine for the pain. The ER doctor finally arrives and looks at my foot. His professional reaction – “Oh my goodness. Why have you been lying here so long with this broken ankle?” He orders Morphine and Fentanyl before attempting to reset it. This takes the edge off, but I still scream with all of my might. (Just think of a woman going through labor). I head to x-rays shortly after this. When I get back to my area of the ER, the doctor comes over and tells me that they need to try to reset my ankle again. So, another painful session of pushing, pulling and twisting, then back to x-rays only to find out that it’s still not in place. Repeat. After three excruciating attempts at trying to reset my badly broken ankle, the doctor shows sympathy for putting me through so much pain only to come to the conclusion that I need surgery.
So here I am after an early morning surgery with a couple of screws and a plate in my ankle getting around on crutches. So far, I’ve been following the doctor’s orders and I seem to be recovering nicely. However, during my last follow-up visit, my doctor decides to tell me and the resident there that my break was so bad that he almost couldn't fix it! Excuse me! WHAT!?!
But on a separate note, while all of this was going on, my parents were finishing up the sale of our house. Luckily I had managed to get all of my stuff packed up and out prior to breaking my foot. Too bad I wasn't able to finish cleaning out the rest of the house though. I'm talking close to 50 years of stuff here people! Wink wink.
I like to think that things can always be worse. These experiences have shown me that I’m blessed with people who truly love and care about me enough to help me through this trying ordeal. For this, I am eternally grateful. I must admit that I cannot wait for me to get back on my own two feet and on with my life. I mean, I do have some planning to do! So, as you can see, October was quite a busy month for me. Thanks for your time.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 13th - Read all about Liz's holiday preparations. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans –
It’s November… That means overseas play, 2010 season planning and the holidays!
The beginning of November was my one year anniversary with the Mystics organization and it seems like just yesterday I was getting acquainted with preparations for the 2009 season and all that was in store. Now as a year old veteran I’m working together with the rest of the Mystics staff to create bigger and better things for next season. As the players compete with their respective teams overseas to fine tune their skills for next summer, we are working hard to bring even more excitement and fun to the Verizon Center in 2010.
Besides planning for the upcoming season, I’m also planning for the upcoming holidays. This is my favorite time of the year. I must admit like many, my preparations for the next two months begin back in July and August with shopping for gifts, but it is not until November 1st that I truly begin to prepare for the season. I dig out the decorations, which go up the weekend after Thanksgiving ;), coordinate travel and attempt another year of baking holiday cookies. I just finalized my Thanksgiving plans – my family is coming here for the Day while I will make the trip back home for Christmas. I am excited to see everyone!
Whatever plans you may have for the holidays, enjoy and relax. Be ready for another exciting season of Mystics basketball.
I look forward to next time…
Liz
Thursday, November 12th - Erin Mitchell recaps her weekend activities. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Fans!
This past weekend I visited my best friend, Tracey, in Philadelphia. She recently purchased her first home (congrats!) and I was eager to check out the new “diggs” (inside joke). During the process of her home search, I heard so much about the Kenilworth house and how she knew that it was the one for her. So once every paper was signed, every T crossed and I dotted it was FINALLY time for me to head up to Philly to help spend her money on home improvement purchases. We spent 12 hours in Home Depot on Saturday and left with 37 cans of paint! OK, I exaggerated a little bit, but there was a lot of paint purchased. We’ve scheduled my next visit for early December when we can then shop for furniture and other décor – it’s a lot of fun spending other people’s money!! I’m so happy for her and can’t wait to enjoy celebrating many more milestones in her home.
On a separate note, one of my season ticket holders recently renewed her seat for the 2010 season. In speaking with her it occurred to me that she renewed her seat for the 2009 season exactly one year earlier. The circumstances surrounding last year’s renewal were quite different. She is a founding fan and had supported the Mystics in good times and in bad. Following the 2008 season she had lost hope on why she would continue to support us. Our first conversation last year turned out to be a very lengthy one in which she expressed her dismay with the direction of the team and organization. We then had subsequent conversations, including one with our VP of Ticket Sales, and although we started forging a bond she still wasn’t convinced that being a Mystics season ticket holder was a title she would continue to carry. I encouraged her to attend the "Meet the GM" event in which season ticket holders were introduced to Angela Taylor and also had the opportunity to ask questions of her. At the conclusion of the event, she pulled me aside and presented me with her check for her 2009 season tickets. This year, it only took one conversation and she was here at the Verizon Center with check in hand for 2010. What a difference a year makes! Thank you, Ms. Dixon, for sticking by us and believing in what we as an organization knew would be a great year. I can’t wait for 2010 and it’s a pleasure working with you.
If any of you haven’t renewed your seats for 2010 – what are you waiting for? We are in the midst of the 30 Prizes in 30 Days campaign and there is a winner everyday. Why not put your name in the bid to win one of these great prizes. We are expecting so much more for 2010…why would you want to miss out?! Give your account representative a call today.
Until next time…Go MYSTICS!!!
Erin
Wednesday, November 11th - Veteran's Day: No entry.
Tuesday, November 10th - Chuck Kacsur introduces himself to the Mystics fans. [permalink]
Chuck here, it’s been a little over two weeks since I joined the Mystics staff as a graphic designer. I have a background in graphic design and sport management, so I am really pleased to be putting both my degrees to work! Before joining the Mystics staff I was a graduate assistant at the California University of Pennsylvania with the Professional Golf Management major. There, I helped create new and overhaul old collateral aimed at recruitment while studying sport management and finishing my NCAA track & field eligibility. I’m proud to have left with a couple school records in hand and I’m now looking to starting building my base and train consistently again.
This weekend I got to see my old team compete at the Division II Cross Country Regional Championship held in Mansfield, PA. Even from hundreds of miles away it’s easy to see the program has future national qualifiers. Congrats to Cal U’s senior runner as well as an un-recruited walk-on who changed the team for the better, and led the team all season.
Monday, November 9th - Natalia Isaac talks about Jay-Z and her fascination with him. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans,
It’s me again! By popular demand, I was asked to guest blog.
Just last week, I attended the Jay-Z concert in Baltimore!! First, let me bring you up to speed on my fascination with the man many call Jay-Z, S-dot Carter, Hova, or Jigga. It all began back in 1998 when I was a sophomore at Temple University. Every party started and ended with Jay’s hit, “Can I Get A…” So it sort of became the anthem of 1998 for me. I wasn’t ever into hardcore rap like that but I did like most rap songs that made it to the radio. You know, mainstream. Well a friend of mine, and fellow Jay-Z fan, encouraged me to pay close attention to the words of Shawn Carter. Let’s just say…I’ve been hooked ever since!
Rap music to some equates to negativity. The first assumptions are violence, drugs, money, and misogyny. All common recipes for rap songs. And Jay-Z is no stranger to that. As he has evolved as an artist, his music has grown from talking about negativity to a more mature sound and lyricism. Now, he is able to speak about his experiences that have broadened as a result of his success in both music and business. This is an artist that doesn’t write any of his lyrics down. He simply listens to the track and comes up with the songs in his head. Genius? Probably. I mean he has recorded 11 studio albums…off the top of his head! Jay-Z went from living in the projects in Brooklyn, New York to become a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets, among other business ventures. And he’s married to Beyonce!
By no means am I a crazed fan or someone that would pass out if I ever came in contact with him. It’s not that serious. But I am fascinated by him and his hustle. And he has a nice smile. And most importantly, I just think he is a really great guy. I had the opportunity to meet Jay-Z back in 2000 and he even let me and my teammates take a picture with him. At the time, he wasn’t the superstar that he is today, but he was very cool and down to earth. If you are not a fan, I encourage you to listen to his music at least once. Remind yourself that his music is an art form and he is just trying to paint you a picture with his words. After listening, you may not become a fan but you should have an appreciation for the genius I consider to be The Greatest Rapper of All Time!
-Nat
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