Kayte chatted live on Tuesday.
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Mercury forward Kayte Christensen is spending her off-season in Phoenix
serving as the team's community relations spokesperson as well as recently
joining the radio broadcast team for ASU Women's Basketball.
Selected in the third round of the 2002 WNBA Draft, Christensen was the only
player drafted in the third round to make a WNBA opening day roster.
Averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 2003, Christensen saw 16 starts.
For all of her efforts in the Phoenix community last year, Christensen won
the 2003 WNBA Community Assist Award.
Admitedly a TV-aholic, she enjoys watching the ABC reality show, "The
Bachelor" and has written a weekly column for phoenixmercury.com with her
insights on the program. When not on the basketball court or in front of the
television, Christensen enjoys refinishing furniture and arranging flowers.
Think you have a question for this well-rounded star? Send in your
questions today and Kayte will join wnba.com for a LIVE chat Tuesday, Dec. 16. at 12 MT (2 p.m. ET).
Carrie (Apache Junction): Kayte I saw your billboard for inhale life. I like that you don't smoke because you are a basketball player. Do you ever think about how many people look up to you? Thanks for being such a great person for me to look up to.
Kayte Christensen: I think that I notice that small children do look up to me. I don't think adults do so much. But whoever does, it's rewarding.
Barry (Phoenix): Kayte, what type of radio broadcasting experience did you have before taking the job for ASU women's games?
Kayte Christensen: None at all. My only experience was being interviewed after games (Laughing).
brian johnson (los angeles): hello you are one of my favorite players i wanted to ask if you ever watch santa barbra play still? or if you ever go to any of there games?
Kayte Christensen: I do get to see them play when I go to Santa Barbara. I was there over Thanksgiving and saw them beat Arizona and Illinois.
Holdren Winston-Salem: I have enjoyed your reviews of the bachelor / bachelorette shows ... you are quite entertaining ... do you forsee a career in writing or journalism as part of your future?
Kayte Christensen: (Laughing). Aw..man. Let's see, I've never thought about a career in journalism, but I do enjoy doing the Confessions of a TV Addict pieces, because it lets me be as sarcastic as I want to be, probably more sarcastic than journalists can be.
Molly ( St.Paul, MN): Did you watch Trista and Ryans wedding? and what did you think?
Kayte Christensen: I only got to see the last 45 minutes of that, but all I can say is "PINK!"
erica (richmond): i'm thinking about playing basketball in college but i'm not sure what i want to study. what did you get your degree in and how did you decide that was right for you?
Kayte Christensen: My degree is in Classical Civilizations, which is not very common, especially among athletes. I decided on that degree because I really enjoyed the classes, and I figured that since I was getting a free education, I should take classes that I enjoy. Playing basketball in college was hard enough.
caryn (detroit): why do you wear knee pads when you play? you look more like a volleyball player than a basketball player. good luck to the mercury this year.
Kayte Christensen: I wear knee-pads because when I don't, I frequently tear my knees open. When you have blood on you, you need to get out of the game. I also wear them because I feel I can dive around more without getting as hurt.
Lincoln: What type of diet do you recommend to someone who wants to get into shape for athletics?
And what type of exercises and weight lifting program?
The sports I play are Basketball and Volleyball.
Kayte Christensen: That's a tough question. I would just say that the diet depends on your body type. If you are slender and undersized, I suggest eating high-calorie meals, about six meals a day. If you are heavier, still eat six meals a day, but lower calorie intake. I lift four times a week, two upper and two lower and I do at least 30 mins of cardio a day. I'm not trainer or a nutritionist, but that's what I do.
Janna (Port Hueneme): Given your taste for reality TV and your intrest in refinishing funiture...which program would you be the best participant? Trading Spaces, Clean Sweep or While You Were Out?
Kayte Christensen: Probably Trading Spaces. At least you know the person well and the type of things they would like. I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's house.
Jamilafan: What aspect of your game are you working on this off-season? Is it challenging to stay motivated during such a long off season?
Kayte Christensen: I'm working on all aspects of my game. I always think there's room for improvement in every category. I'm focusing on upper body strength. After the New Year, I will focus on shooting and drills and the fun stuff.
Royce (sacramento, ca): hi kayte. i was wondering if you would ever consider being a model. i think you can. lol
Kayte Christensen: (Laughing) That's kind of you. I've never considered it, but I wouldn't be opposed if the opportunity presented itself.
Romell (Pittsburg, California): hi kayte, how are you? since the mercury have the first pick in the upcoming draft, do you think diana taurasi of UConn is gonna be the first pick? and do you think she is the best fit for your team?
Kayte Christensen: First of all, Diana is the best fit for any team. Whether or not she will be on our team has everything to do with management decisions. I couldn't imagine anyone passing on her as the first pick.
phoenix: Will you forgive for me sending you a belated Happy Birthday wish? Anyway, how do you expect to live up to the upcoming season's expectations? I hope you all have a terrific season and have a wonderful and safe Holiday season!!
Kayte Christensen: Thank you for the birthday wish. Next year's expectations are probably higher in my mind than they can ever be in a fans. The most important thing to me is being on a team that I feel plays hard from tip to buzzer and it's nice to win some games too.
Kayte Christensen: I want to wish everyone happy holidays and a safe New Year. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and the Mercury.