Finding a Home: Adia Barnes

“It’s been long, it’s been tough,” she said. “It’s been mentally and physically challenging, but that’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes [basketball] fun.”

As Storm fans get more familiar with Barnes, they’ll find a player who relies on her grit and determination. The 5-foot-11 forward has made a living battling taller and larger players inside. At the University of Arizona, Barnes played out of position at the power forward spot. Still, she went on to lead the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding. She was named the Pac-10 player of the year in 1998 after leading her team to the Sweet 16.

Barnes has used that same determination in her pursuit of a WNBA career. After graduation Sacramento drafted her in the fourth round. But unable to latch on permanently, she took her skills overseas, playing basketball in Israel. Teammates Semeka Randall and Simone Edwards along with assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg also spent time there.

She credits her experience abroad and her roundabout journey in the WNBA (she’s played for three teams) for making the Storm. While the path has been rocky, it has made everything more worthwhile.

“It’s been a tough road. My back has been against the wall a few times. I’ve worked hard and it’s brought me to where I am today,” Barnes said. “I’ve been through the worst and I have nothing to lose. It’s only sweeter now because I had to work for it.”

Competing will always be a trademark for Barnes. She hates to lose whether it’s a hoops game or a card game. “I hate to lose in cards. It’s awful. I have to tell myself, it’s only a game,” she said. “But I think [my competitiveness] is a positive.”

Coach Linn Dunn will play Barnes at her more natural small forward position, a critical one for the Storm. There, Barnes can play inside as well as supply the outside jumper to stretch defenses. She will also defend some of the top players in the league. Barnes will find herself matched up with all-stars like New York’s Vickie Johnson and Houston’s Sheryl Swoopes.

She welcomes the challenge.

“I’m not going to back down from anyone,” Barnes said. “I don’t care who they are.”