Before she was an MVP for the Chicago Sky and seeking an Olympic gold medal for the United States, Elena Delle Donne was just a kid from Delaware. As she grew older, however, Delle Donne became a popular figure in the state.

EDD won National Player of the Year honors for her brilliance in Ursuline Academy before leading the University of Delaware Blue Hens to their greatest season in school history. The hometown star made her return on Wednesday night, joining her fellow USA superstars at the Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center to play in front of a rowdy and loving Delaware crowd.

Delle Donne took a trip down memory lane and re-lived her journey leading up to this point in her life after scoring 10 points in the USA’s 84-62 victory over France in exhibition play.

“It was by far the most emotional game I’ve ever played at the Bob,” Delle Donne said. “To see faces that have been watching me here since eighth grade and have gone along with me in this entire journey with me, and now see me in a USA jersey, which has been my dream my entire life, and really the pinnacle of my career, it was so special to come out and share that with them as well.”

She knew that this moment was bigger than just herself, but a monumental moment for her home state and her fans. She described what it meant for her and the people of Delaware.

“This has been by far the most special night that I’ve ever played here, and there’s been a lot of special nights on this court, but this by far is the biggest for me,” she explained. “This being a dream come true for me and for a lot of Delaware fans as well, to see a Delawarean heading to the Olympics to compete for a gold medal. I’m not here to just represent myself, or the team, we’re really representing everybody, trying to make this dream come true for everyone.”

Delle Donne and the United States Women’s National Team are off to a good start, winning their first two exhibition games in search of their sixth straight gold medal. Delle Donne is seeking her first, something that would be a major achievement for her and bring great joy to all of her loyal fans in Delaware.

The girl from a small state is now representing her country on the biggest stage of them all.