Ann Answers Your Questions

Name: Pat Martinez

Location: Laredo

Question: How do you defend someone that is heavier than you?  My daughter is a senior in high school.  She is 5'8" and about 160 lbs.  The last game she played, the girl she defended was about 6' and 200 lbs.

Ann Wauters: I try to outsmart them.  Use my mobility as a post player.   But sometimes it is very hard to defend someboday that is heavier than you.  For example, Vanessa Hayden from Minnesota, she is so strong, so it's not easy to push her out of the paint! 

Name: Kelley Hernandez

Location: San Antonio

Question: Hey Ann..., What is your favorite restraunt here in San Antonio?

Ann: I loved so many places in San Antonio.  Sushi Zushi, Texas Roadhouse.  Texas has the best steaks that I have ever eaten!

Name: Jose Guajardo

Location: San Antonio

Question: I know this isn't original but, what is the day in the life of THE Ann Wauters during the WNBA season like? What do you do when you're not practicing or posting a double double at a game?

Ann: I enjoy my life in San Antonio.  You work hard with your team and coaches, usually from 10 to 2.  And afterwards you have the afternoon and evening where you do whatever you want.  I  enjoy the weather, many different restaurants and of course lots of shopping,... San Antonio has it all!

Name: Celeste Rivera

Location: San Antonio

Question: What were your goals and dreams when you were growing up? If you wouldn't have made it in the WNBA,what was your second choice career?

Ann: I wanted to be an architect.  But once I found out that I could have a career in basketball, I  worked very hard to play at the top. Basketball is my passion.  It is a dream that came true being able to play pro basketball.  

Name: Mike Whitworth

Location: Ada, Oklahoma

Question: How important is shutting off the half court with a three-one-one , three-two, or two-three defense?

Ann: That would be a great question for Coach Hughes or Coach Olaf and Sandy.  I am sure that they can give you a three-page answer.

Name: Hannah Comiskey

Location: Odem, Texas

Question: Dear Ann, I'm a Big basketball fan, I am fifteen and I Play Basketball all the time. I really love it, and I wanted to know were you a big basketball player as a young girl? And if so,do you have any pointers that would help me? Thanks

Ann: I started playing basketball pretty late; I was 12.  I was tall but didn't have that many skills.  So I can honestly say that I had to work very hard on my game. As a big player you need to work your coordination and footwork. I am 28 now and still trying to improve every day.  I think it is important that you are  never satisfied by your own game.  You always want to get better.

Name: Vickie Schulte

Location: Dilley, Texas

Question: What is the most memoriable experience that you have had during your basketball career?

Ann: I would have to say winning the European title with my teams in France and in Russia.  But winning the Western Conference last summer was also very special.  The group of players in San Antonio are just wonderful players and people. (Sophia hitting the buzzer shot against LA, was pretty memorable!)

Name: Morgan Buechner

Location: San Antonio

Question: What's your favorite shot to do?

Ann: I love to do post moves (back to the basket). But I also like to pop and shoot a midrange jumper.

Name: Terry Wuestney

Location: San Antonio

Question: Do you have someone that you model yourself after when it comes to your playing style?  If so, is it a professional athlete and do they play in the same sport as you?

Ann: I really admire Roger Federer, the tennis player.  In basketball.  I have great respect for players like Tina Tompson and Lauren Jackson.

Name: Lauren Wolske

Location: Brownsburg ,Indiana

Question: I love you ANN! I would love to know whats its like having Edwige and Becky as teamates year round?  Then what do you guys do in Russia to past time?

Ann: Thank you for your support.  It is great to have Edwige and Becky here.  We also have Tonya, the athletic trainer from San Antonio.  So San Antonio is never far away.  We play Guitar Hero, have nacho nights, go out to dinner.  Good times.

Name: Yvette Renteria

Location: Weslaco, Texas

Question: About how many hours do you practice basketball and training a day?

Ann: That depends.  Here in Russia we practice in the morning 1.5 hours and at night 2 hours.  Some days we practice once on the court and go to the weight room.

Name: Shelley Thomas

Location: San Antonio

Question: What is your favorite hobby to do outside of basketball?  Do you have any pets?

Ann:  I had a cat (Simba) when I played in France.  I don't have a pet in Russia.  My favorite hobby is watching tv series, going to a good restaurant, playing Guitar Hero, in summertime riding my jetski in Belgium.