Thursday, December 1, 2005
Katie Smith Chat Transcript
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Katie Smith joined Deanna Nolan in the Detroit Shock's back court on July 30 when she was acquired from the Minnesota Lynx.
In 13 games for Detroit, Smith averaged 9.5 points and 2.0 assists per game. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist finished fourth in the WNBA in Three-Point Field Goals Made with 53 and seventh in Minutes Played (1160.0). Smith chated online with Shock fans on Thursday, December 1 on DetroitShock.com
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Katie Smith: Thanks for joining me for this online chat. I've been enjoying the off-season - visiting with family, working out and regrouping so that we can kick butt next summer.
Christina (Macomb Twp.): Hi, Katie! What have you been up to this off-season? I've been checking DetroitShock.com and I see that you haven't gone anywhere to play. What have you been doing to stay busy? How do you stay in game shape?
Katie Smith: I'm in Columbus right now. I wanted to spend the off-season getting stronger, get my knee together and get in good shape for the season. I'll be taking an anatomy class at Ohio State soon. I've also been visiting with family in Logan, Ohio, being social and catching up with people. I've also been trying to get in shape and get in some good work outs.
Jim (NY): Hi, Katie. Outside of playing basketball what other sports do you enjoy playing? Good luck to you.
Katie Smith: I enjoy playing volleyball, but I haven't played much since high school. I also like playing football - I get together with some friends and throw the ball around. Those are two of my favorites.
Donna & Danita (Phoenix): Hey Katie,
About time you took some time off. Glad to hear it. How does your golden doodle like all your free time? See you next summer.
Katie Smith: My mutt Logan just enjoys being with me, no matter what I'm doing. I scooped him up in Minnesota after the season -he didn't come with me to Detroit after the trade. He got to spend some time with his dog friends back then. He's spoiled rotten, but he's a great companion. He's pretty entertaining. He's been having a good off-season too.
Roni (Israel): What are your expectations for next year?
Katie Smith: My expectations are high. I think out of all of the teams in the league, we have the most talent top to bottom. It's just a matter of putting all of the pieces together and finding a system that works for all of us. I think we have a chance to compete with anyone; we just need to become more consistent from beginning to end.
mynhood: Would you ever consider posing for Playboy?
Katie Smith: No because I need a tan.
Ryan (Allen Park): If you could invite three people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be?
Katie Smith: My grandma - my mom's mom. She passed away in 1998. The Babe - Babe Didrikson. Jim Henson - the master behind the Muppets.
Roni (Israel): What was the hardest thing about moving from Minnesota to Detroit?
Katie Smith: Leaving my teammates, the fans and some forms of extended family. Leaving the people was the hardest part.
Anthony (New York): Katie, what female athlete would you compare yourself with?
Katie Smith: I would say Jackie Joyner. She's versatile in sports. She played with us in the ABL, and in track-and-field she was a Jack of all trades. I'm versatile as well, and played some other sports. She's a phenomenal person and athlete - she's one of my role models. If I was half as good an athlete as she is, I'd be thrilled.
Albert (Garden City): If you could change one rule in sports, what would it be?
Katie Smith: Somehow allowing some interaction between adults or mentors while you're in college. It helps expose the players and broaden their perspective.
Moogs, Cols: My lab mix Luna is looking for a boyfriend. Do you think her and your mut Logan could meet? I really think they would hit it off!
Katie Smith: He's taken.
Joey (Clinton Twp.): Katie, how do you think the Sky will fair this season? Do you think they have selected a good mix of talent?
Katie Smith: I think they will do well. They have some veterans who can come in and play. A lot of them played a reserve role on their previous teams, so now they can show what they have as starters. Elaine Powell is there - she's solid and we're sorry we lost her. I think they did ok in the expansion. The draft this year will be stronger than last year's, so they'll be able to get some good picks. I think they'll be in the mix.
Maddie (Massachusetts): What's the accomplishment you have achieved that you're most proud of, both on and off the court?
Katie Smith: On the court, winning an Olympic Gold Medal and having my number retired at Ohio State. Off the court, it's just that I'm still "me." People who know me from way back in high school and college know that I haven't changed. I'm also proud of the personal relationships I've made over the years.
Raleigh, NC: What do you think about Sheryl Swoopes coming out? Do you think it was a good or a bad thing? And do you think that she opened the door for other gay players to come out?
Katie Smith: I don't think it's a good or bad thing, rather it's a personal choice. It's something she felt she needed to do, so she did it. I don't think it's going to necessarily open the door for other athletes. Individuals need to do what they feel is best for them.
David (Farmington): What's more fun - drilling or cleaning teeth? Or is it nailing an open 3?
Katie Smith: I assisted my Dad (a dentist), but I haven't drilled or cleaned any teeth. I would have to say drilling a 3 is more fun. My dad doesn't have a cheering section when he cleans or drills teeth.
Chad (Cols): Are you still going to play in the China Olympics in 2008?
Katie Smith: I would love to. If my body can hold up and I play hard, I would love to be a part of the Olympics again.
Olivia (St. Paul): How does the OSU women's basketball team look this year?
Katie Smith: They look good. Right now they're in the top five. They've had some warm-up games, but they have a couple of tough ones coming up. The biggest game is going to be December 15 vs. LSU here in Columbus. That will be our test. I think we have the ability to make a run to the Championship; we'll have to wait and see how that pans out. I'm very excited for them.
Kat (Detroit): Hey Katie Smith, how are you? I'm 13 and I really want to play in the WNBA when I get older but I need to learn how to play the two-guard, thats what I'll be playing for my AAU team this year but I've never really learned what to do in game situations for a two-guard. Have any suggestions? Thanks and good luck next season!
Katie Smith: Start with the fundamentals. Work on your ball handling because you'll be playing against some quick guards. Figure out and practice more ways to get your shots off. Practice some one-on-one moves, coming off picks and your ability to shoot. The two-spot is basically a scorer, so those are the things you will need to work on. Get your shots off quicker, because especially in AAU you'll be playing against better basketball players than you would in high school.
Mary (Minneapolis): Katie - I just wanted to let you know that you are missed in MN and I hope your off-season is going well. Good luck next season.
Katie Smith: Thank you. I have a soft spot for Minnesota. I really did enjoy my time there. I will see you at least once this season,and I hope you cheer for me along with the Lynx.
Kait (Columbus): Hey Katie, How many more years do you think you will play in the WNBA?
Katie Smith: I want to play in the Olympics again, so I'll keep playing until some time around then. It depends on my body, how I feel, how I'm playing. So at least three years. Maybe more.
Meghan (florida): Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Katie Smith: Wow. Hopefully practicing Dentistry here in Columbus, married with kids and maybe running some basketball camps and doing some lessons here in Columbus. I want to stay in touch with basketball, but not necessarily as a coach at a high level. I just want to teach kids the basics.
Kellie (St. Joe): What are your biggest goals for this season on the personal and team level?
Katie Smith: Team level - make the playoffs and make a run towards the Championship. I think we have that ability and I really believe we can get it done. Personally I just want to be consistent and efficient with what I do. Defensively I want to be strong and offensively I want to be a threat at all times and help my teammates. I just want to be ready to go and be able to contribute, as always. Last year I was in Detroit for only a month, so this will really be my first full year with the team. I'll have a better grasp this year and we'll have a better chemistry as teammates. I'm looking forward to having a preseason with my teammates.
Roni Israel: What do you miss the most during the off-season?
Katie Smith: I don't know. I honestly enjoy my off-season. When I was in Minnesota, I missed some of the friends I had. In Detroit I don't have a network yet. I didn't get a chance to learn the city much at all. I also still work out - It's easier to stay in shape when you practice every day during the offseason. You have to make yourself do it and challenge yourself. I really do enjoy my off-season.
Will (Conn.): What's your favorite color, food, TV show and movie?
Katie Smith: Color - shades of red, especially scarlett. Food - I really like almost everything except fish. TV Show - I love SportsCenter and games, but I watch Martha Stewart's Apprentice. Movie - Crash was good. My favorite movie is whatever I've seen and liked lately.
Lusher (Columbus): Was playing and working with the people involved with the Columbus Quest one of the best times of your life?
Katie Smith: It was a great time, yes. It really was a memorable time basketball wise. Being able to play in the city you live is nice. Anybody that was a part of it would probably say the same thing. It was a lot of fun to be a part of that.
Roni (Israel): Hi Katie! I'm a huge fan of yours and the shock! Why didn't you go and play overseas this year?
Katie Smith: There are lots of reasons. I have a house, a dog, and I needed time to get strong and get my body together. It was a long year - it was an emotionally and physically tough year. I just need a little time to step back and get all of my ducks in a row. I think I can challenge myself here as much as I can overseas. Right now, the things that are important to me are quality of life, my dog and my home. I will also be playing USA Basketball later on in March and April, so I'll get some new challenges then.
Ryan F. (Tiburon, Ca): Hey Katie, I heard that you like to play pool. Do you have a pool table in your house? Which one of your teammates gives you the best competition?
Katie Smith: I do like to play pool. I have a pool table, but it is not in my house. It's been in storage at someone else's home for the last five years or so. I havn't played against anybody in Detroit, but Svetlana in Minnesota and I had some battles when I was there.
Kaitlin: How are your knees doing?
Katie Smith: I feel good. My body feels really strong right now. Obviously they ache and I get stiff sometimes, but that's just a part of getting older. I feel good having slowed up a bit.
Dtsnms (CT): If they played each other, which was the better team, the 2000 or 2004 Olympic gold medal teams you were a part of?
Katie Smith: I'd say 2004. That's my final answer.
Eick ( Cols): Through your years as a ball player which coach or person related to basketball has made the most substantial impact on your career?
Katie Smith: That's a tough question. I think Brian Agler really challenged me in my all-around game. I credit him for making me a good defensive player. I think everyone has given their two cents and helped me understand what it takes to win. I give Tamika Williams credit for making me a better teammate and a leader. Everybody has their two cents, but those people have given me a lot.
Shannon (Bighamton, NY) : Hi Katie Smith! What do you do in your spare time?
Katie Smith: I rent movies, take the mutt out and let him play, visit with friends and family. That about sums it up. Oh, and I also bake banana nut bread. I've been on a kick lately. i have a really good recipe.
Team Ku, Cols: I know you saw our football game this weekend. From a professional athlete'ss opinion, do you think we could make it to the big leagues?
Katie Smith: I think they have a lot of work ahead of them. I don't think they're ever going to make it. Sorry to be negative, but I got to keep it real! I think the dogs have a better chance of making it than you guys do!Editor's Note: Team Ku is the wait staff from a Sushi restaurant in Columbus, OH
Vickie Baldyga: What NBA player did you grow up idolizing?
Katie Smith: Michael Jordan was the NBA player I grew up watching. MJ, Larry and Magic - that crew.
Quinn ( NY, NY): How has the grueling schedule of the WNBA and Olympics affected your social life if at all?
Katie Smith: It's hard because there's always a gap. You're always taking off for chunks of time, so it's hard to stay connected sometimes with people, even family. They're a part of it, but from a distance. When you get home you have to reconnect with them all over again. It's not the easiest, but it's not as bad as the NBA. We at least have a light at the end of the tunnel.
Andrew (Ann Arbor): Hi Katie. It must be very cool travelling across America, Europe and the World for the professional and national teams you've been on. Did you ever think of writing a book with pictures about your experiences abroad? Fans read about players during the season but it seems like with women's basketball, in particular, a lot of the fun occurs overseas. I check on scores in FIBA sometimes. I bet people would be interested in learning what life is like during this interim period before WNBA players work solely at home.
Katie Smith: True. Our lives are a lot more than just the WNBA season. I've thought about writing a book and people have brought it up to me before. Maybe one day I'll be able to share the expieriences and thoughts of what i've been through. It's fun to hear everybody's story and what they do because it's definitely not the average athletes' story. Maybe one of these days.
Katie Smith: Thanks for joining me on this chat. Make sure you watch the Lady Buckeyes this year. Make sure to come check the Shock out when we get rolling next May.