Taj McWilliams-Franklin is a three-time WNBA All-Star, in her fifth season with the organization. TJ holds four records at St. Edwards College including all-time leading scorer (1837). She earned a Gold Medal with the 1998 World Championship qualifying team. She and her husband, Reggie have two daughters Maya and Michelle and reside in Italy.
L: You only appeared in 13 games in 2002 due to your pregnancy. Do you feel like you are finally starting to get back into game shape?
TJ: No, not really. They say it takes a year for your body to get back into pre-pregnancy state. I am feeling better and better mentally with each game and that is a big step for me.

L: You have a great support staff with you (mom, nanny, Reggie and Michelle). How important is that for you when you step on the court to know Maya is in good hands so you can concentrate on basketball?
TJ: It is so important. It takes a load off my mind so I can concentrate on my job. I know a lot of people go to work after a pregnancy. Things are in good hands and it is not pressing you because of the people that I have around me. I can not do what I do without them. That is the bottom line. Some people say I am a super mom, but I feel blessed a lot and having those people around really helps me.

L: What was your initial thought when you heard that there was not going to be a team in Orlando? Where were you when you got the news that the team was moving to Connecticut?
TJ: Actually, I saw it on the internet. It is sad that you can not get a call after you play with an organization for four years. But, that is how it is in professional sports. I was over in Italy and it was a shock. After the initial shock, I was thinking…more time with my baby. I did not know what was going to happen, including what was going to happen with the collective bargaining agreement and also the teams folding, because a week later it was Miami. At first I was thinking, well I will just go to Miami. I love Florida. Then Miami is out! There was so much that had gone on in those four years. I was going to sit it out. It was a last minute decision to come here and play with Connecticut.

L: What was the final turning point to make you put on a uniform again?
TJ: (Laughs) Actually, two Mikes (my agent and my coach). Coach Mike called me every few days. He made me feel like I was a part of the team and included me in quite a few of the decisions. Once we ironed out a few of the details of my salary. It was gravy from there.

L: You really enjoy Italy?
TJ: Yeah, that is my home. My family is there and that is where my heart is at right now. We have lived there for the past five years. I love Italy. Everyone should go and visit at least once. Venice, Rome, Milan, Florence.. somewhere in Italy. It is gorgeous! It is a place for everybody.

L: Ready for rapid fire Questions? Favorite WNBA City?
TJ: (Laughs) For shopping?

L: Favorite WNBA shopping first?
TJ: Washington.

L: Favorite hotel?
TJ: Let’s see, the Ritz Carlton. But, the Westin is nice with the beds.

L: Favorite food?
TJ: Italian and Chinese. It’s a tie.

L: Toughest player that you had to guard?
TJ: Natalie Williams. She is the strongest. The one that pushes you the most is Chamique Holdsclaw. She has a lot of moves and gives you something different every night.

L: The person who has most influenced your life?
TJ: Coach Anne Donovan. She is an awesome woman. She is the first tall woman that I had ever met that could actually play. She is graceful and smart. When I was in the ABL with her it was just amazing. She taught me a lot about myself and being a post player that I had not been taught. I had to learn late. It was just amazing.

L: Relating to basketball, what is your biggest accomplishment?
TJ: (Laughs) Playing as long as I do with these bad knees.

L: The one thing that is missing from you basketball career?
TJ: A Championship.