We asked you to send your most pressing questions to one of the WNBA's most talented and versatile players. We opened a mailbox so you could open your heart, and Shock forward Swin Cash responds. Ranging from how to make a good impression to what color shoes are in this season, we received over a thousand e-mails asking the Olympic gold medalist for advice. And Swin came through. Here's are this week's questions and answers.

Hey Swin, How are you? I am having problems with my algebra. I don't really understand it because the teacher just gives it to us and says "here is your assignment, get to work," but she doesn't explain it. I pass it, but just barely… If I want to keep playing, I have to get my algebra grade up thanks.
- Patshalla, Joaquin, TX

You have to treat your academics just as you treat basketball. If you want to become a better player and learn, then you go and you ask you coach different questions that can help you get better. So I would go to your teacher and let them know that your not understanding the math and that maybe things are moving a bit too fast for you. Remember, if you want to be the best, you have to practice like the best. This means that maybe you have to give Algebra some extra time. And ask your teacher to spend some extra time helping you out. Like I always say, "If you want to be the best, you have to play and practice like the best."

Hey Swin, Love your game, I have a daughter who is 9 and has a game quite similar to yours. She is with me living in Spain and I don't think hers skills are being utilized to her advantage. I don't want to interrupt what her coach is trying to do but I also want to see my daughter succeed. Can you give me your recommendation?
- Doug, Mount Vernon, NY

Doug, I think it's wonderful how involved you are in your daughter's life. In saying this, I would advise you to have a talk with your daughter's coach. But when you talk to him, don't talk to him so much about what you see in your daughter but more of what he sees in her. He may see the same things that you see in her but with basketball being a team sport, this may be the reason that her skill level isn't shown as much. You have to understand that every one on that team has a certain role that they have to play and he may be showing your daughter her role for the team. So, I would go to the coach and see what he thinks of your daughter, and how she can improve individually and as a team player. And remember, she is only 9, she has a lot of basketball in her and now its all about having fun and working on her skills every day.

Hey Swin. Relationship problems here :-\ I've been seeing this one guy on and off for about four years now. Yes, I know I'm only 16 and I am still young. We fight a lot over who's right and simply just because we are both extremely competitive. Lately he's been changing, but he constantly tells me that he is still the same guy. I mean he has more mood swings than us girls--haha! I don't know what to do because a part of me still loves him but a part of me just wants to walk away because I can't stand fighting everyday. I'm not big into the whole drama fiasco in high school. Any advice? Good Luck this season!
- Trish, Millville, MA

Thanks a lot, Trish and I hope I will have a successful year too. At your age, life should be more than just fighting with your boyfriend. First, you may want to sit down and have a conversation with him letting him know about all the different emotional things that you both are going through. Not only things with school or with your friends, but also that you both are maturing. You also need to know that you're both going into the next phase of your life in a few years-college. But your right about one thing, you can't stay in a relationship that you're not happy in. So, talk to him first, take time to pray on it, and then follow your heart. Remember, its better to smile than to frown.

Dear Miss Cash,
I have a crush on a guy in my class. I'm too shy to say something to him. How should I approach this situation? What will be a good first impression on him? Thank you, Miss Cash, for helping me.
- Sydney, Detroit, MI

The best first impression to make on a guy is being your self. If you are going to start a relationship with this guy, then you would want him to know the real you. So just be your self, and become friends with him first so if you two do date, things will go a lot smoother.

Swin, I have these really cute pink shoes but that color may be "last year", should I keep wearing them this summer or find another color?
- Slovy, Indianapolis, IN

Keep the pink shoes. Bright colors are in this summer, and the shoes are only made by what you wear with them.

Hey Swin, this year I am graduating, but first, I will be going to prom. I want to know… what is your advice on having a great and memorable prom night?
- Ajarae, Jamaica, N.Y.

First, congratulations on becoming a senior, graduation and prom. Now if I were going to prom, I would use the three R's-Responsibility, Respect for yourself, and Relaxing--because you only live once and your prom night should be about fun. So just relax, have fun, don't stress yourself out, and enjoy yourself with your friends.

-God bless, peace, love and happiness
Swin Cash

That's Swin, always there to help. Check back in a few weeks for more wise words from Ms. Cash.

And keep sending in your questions and see if Swin answers your queries during the 2005 WNBA season.