Aug. 17, 2001
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After being drafted by Portland in the first round of the 2001 WNBA Draft, Jackie Stiles has made a name for herself in the pros, too. The newly announced Rookie of the Year finished the regular season second among rookies in scoring with 14.9 points per game (9th in the WNBA). The 5-8 guard Fire guard was deservedly named a 2001 All-Star by the league's coaches and finished as the team's leading scorer. She also led rookies in three-point field-goal percentage, connecting on 43.1 percent (6th in the WNBA) from beyond the arc.
The legacy of the amazing Jackie Stiles continues. So many accolades, and young Jackie has only just begun. The 2001 WNBA Rookie of the Year chatted with fans on Friday, Aug. 17. Here's what she had to say.
eighty6 from proxy.aol.com at 3:06pm ET
Congrats on getting named Rookie of the Year. I was just wondering if you had any advice or words of encouragement for little girls that want to follow in your footsteps someday? Thanks, Jackie.
Jackie Stiles at 3:08pm ET
First of all set your goals high believe in your dreams, if you believe in it you can accomplish anything you want. There are two factors: one, my work ethic -- I work hard and don't have any regrets. That, and I'm very coachable. I've had many great coaches and I've listened to them. I've had the opportunity to work with many incredible coaches and I've tried to learn something from each coach I come across, and without them I wouldn't be where I am today.
Lauren from proxy.aol.com at 3:08pm ET
How do you feel about being the Rookie of the Year? What are your goals for next year? Good job! Congrats!
Jackie Stiles at 3:09pm ET
I was in a state of shock when they named me as Rookie of the Year. It was such an honor to accept that award. There are so many great players in the rookie class that deserve it just as much or more than me.
Bron at 3:10pm ET
Jackie, congratulations on winning Rookie of the Year. I saw most of the Fire's games that were on TV and I must say I came away more impressed with your game every time. My question is what do the Fire need to make it to the next level?
Jackie Stiles at 3:12pm ET
One thing that will help us is gaining experience. I know that I learned a lot about the WNBA and how to be successful in the league. I'm going to work hard in the offseason and improve on my game, but you can't teach or coach experience. We could have been a playoff team, we kind of hit the wall and lost our focus and lost some games we should have won. We lost our confidence and it snowballed on us.
wnba_fan from wdc1.dsl.speakeasy.net at 3:12pm ET
Congratulations! Well deserved Rookie of the Year. What are your plans for the offseason? Specifically, will you play in an overseas league?
Jackie Stiles at 3:13pm ET
I plan to go back to school and finish my degree this year in physical education. I'm going to work out with Southwest Missouri State's team and play competitive basketball in some men's leagues, and I'll run a few camps.
mary from dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net at 3:13pm ET
What is your most memorable moment this year so far?
Jackie Stiles at 3:16pm ET
The most memorable moment was playing in Indiana. Busloads came from Springfield to watch me play. It was one of my better games and it was great to have so much support. That was one of the better experiences I've had.
Kansasgirl10 from dallas-16rh16rt-tx.dial-access.att.net at 3:16pm ET
Jackie, when you got to Portland, were you nervous and if you were nervous, how did you face your fears?
Jackie Stiles at 3:18pm ET
I was extremely nervous, basically because I was scared of the unknown and it was a totally new experience -- new city, teammates, coaching staff. But the way I handle something that's unknown is I put everything I have into it with my work ethic. I lay it all on the line, if I do the best I can do, that's all I can do. I just put faith in my work ethic.
Caitlin Spratt from etntwn1.nj.home.com at 3:18pm ET
Hi Jackie I'm your biggest fan! You are my role model. You inspire me and so many young girls that we can be what we want to be. I have one question: what do you like to do in your free time? Thanks!
Jackie Stiles at 3:19pm ET
Thanks for your comments. What I like to do in my free time ... I don't have very much any more, but I like to shop and watch movies.
big fan from ourtownusa.net at 3:19pm ET
Congrats on all of your accomplishments. You are a super player and a great role model. I have two neices that adore you and are learning alot from your work ethic. I was wondering if maybe coaching is somewhere in your future?
Jackie Stiles at 3:20pm ET
That's defintely a possiblity. I want to play as long as I can. After basketball I want to coach or be a personal trainer.
Ami from kdsi.net at 3:20pm ET
You are awesome! Do you listen to music to get pumped up for games? If so what song or group is your favorite! Have fun next season!
Jackie Stiles at 3:20pm ET
I do listen to music before the games, but not anything in particular. One that has stuck with me is "Right Now" by Van Halen. I also listen to "Hanging on a Moment" by Lifehouse. I started to listen to that at the Final Four. I also listen to some rap ... it varies.
Shellie from proxy.aol.com at 3:23pm ET
It is great that you take part in something like this, as well as be a role model for young girls. How do you handle the new fame?
Jackie Stiles at 3:25pm ET
Definitely my life has changed quickly in this past year with the national TV games, but it's an adjustment for me. One, it was my rookie season, and I've also had to learn how to manage all the off the court demands, that's been different.
steph from proxy.aol.com at 3:25pm ET
Are you having a shoe coming out anytime soon because I definitely want it! You're awesome!
Jackie Stiles at 3:26pm ET
I doubt they'll ever make a Jackie Stiles shoe, but I'm glad you would buy it if they did. I need to find a different shoe to wear becuase I'm down to my last pair of Cynthia Cooper shoes.
lovebball at 3:28pm ET
You are my favorite WNBA player. I'm working toward going to college and playing basketball. I'm also trying to get in 1,000 shots a day. When did you find time to shoot all of your shots?
Jackie Stiles at 3:32pm ET
I started making 1,000 shots my sophomore year in high school after I broke my right wrist. I started shooting with my left. I did that until my freshman year in college when coach Burnett told me I hit a wall. She helped me develop a workout that's quality over quantity that's more game speed. Now, I suggest, you don't have to make a 1,000 shots -- you can lower the number and go really hard but it's still not game-like conditions. At the same time, I said I was going to try to make 2,000 shots to see if I could do it. I want to improve, but I don't know my body will be able to take it.
Jackie Stiles at 3:35pm ET
I want to thank everyone for chatting with me. Sorry I couldn't get to everybody's questions. Thanks for all your support during my rookie year and I hope you continue to support the Portland Fire next year.
