This is finally real. Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to play professional basketball. We’re in the middle of our first day of two-a-day practices. I knew this would be a tough transition, but I didn’t know quite how tough. Training camp has been very difficult, but I think I am further along than I thought I would be at this time. Having taken the last year off while pregnant with Aelani, I thought my conditioning would be much worse. Don’t get me wrong, I have a long way to go, but I am very comfortable with my progression through the first week.

One thing I never realized was how right people are when they say athletes at the professional level are so much better than those at the college level. The players are stronger, faster, and simply put, much better than the players in college. And this is only training camp. I’m looking forward to starting the preseason, when I can have a better picture of where my game is at this point.

As I write this, I think back to my days at Georgia, when Coach Landers used to run us into the ground. Not only were we successful at the time, but all of that running has made this adjustment much easier.

Another thing that makes this easier is the ladies on the team. I think I get along pretty well with everyone, but it’s so much easier when you actually enjoy hanging out and playing with your teammates. We are very serious on the court, but as soon as the whistle blows, we can joke with each other.

Well, I’m going to get some rest. We have to be back at practice this evening. I’ll talk to you guys next week.

Kara