Rookies Excited to Meet the Best

For the WNBA rookies, training camp and preseason is their chance to prove they belong. Each practice is an audition and games are the ultimate opportunity to get noticed. Yet, this first professional experience can also be exciting for other reasons. We asked a bunch of rookies around the league which current WNBA player they are or were most looking forward to meeting and why.

Cappie Pondexter is looking forward to meeting Tamika Catchings.
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Tamara James, Washington Mystics
"Nikki Teasley, my teammate, because I admire her game."

Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix Mercury
"I am excited to meeting Tamika Catchings because she is one of the greatest players in the game today."

Megan Duffy, Minnesota Lynx
"Sue Bird, because I have always admired her game and the impact that she has made on the league."

Kasha Terry, Indiana Fever
"Lisa Leslie, because I want to see if I really favor her!!!"

Tiffany Stansbury, Houston Comets
"Lisa Leslie!"

Christelle N'Garsanet, New York Liberty
"Ticha Penicheiro. I have been following her since I started to be interested in the league, and she never stopped amazing me. She plays with a lot of heart."

Shona Thorburn, Minnesota Lynx
"Lisa Leslie, heard she is a trash talker want to see if its true."

Liz Shimek, Houston Comets
"Diana Taurasi. I have never been able to see her in person and really respect her game."

Barbara Turner is also looking forward to meeting Catchings, a popular favorite.
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Kerri Gardin, Chicago Sky
"Cappie Pondexter, because she's a great player and she seems cool to be around."

Mistie Williams, Houston Comets
"Tina Thompson- She is the best inside player and I would love to learn from her."

Abiola Wabara, Washington Mystics
"Yolanda Griffith, because she is a great player with a lot of energy."

Zane Teilane, Detroit Shock
"Lauren Jackson, because I think she is a very active player on both defense and offense. I hope I can learn how to improve my game like her."

Barbara Turner, Seattle Storm
"Tamika Catchings. She is my favorite player and I feel as though she is one of the most dominate players in the league."

Tye'sha Fluker, Charlotte Sting
"Yolanda Griffith of the Monarchs."

Crystal Smith, Phoenix Mercury
"Lindsay Whalen, though I have met her before."