Greatness & More!!

Hey everyone!!

I wanted to drop in and say a few words to you. I know that my last couple of blogs have been a little short and brief, but that is only because we have been extremely busy trying to become The Western Conference Champions! I want to share with you what has been going on during that time. I am going to talk to you about GREATNESS and the people that I will mention definitely defines it.

First off is Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Man, what an amazing runner. I can remember watching her as child; she had me believing that I could beat everyone in the neighborhood in running. After watching her races I would go outside and just run - believing that I would be just as fast as her if I just ran all day. It didn't work - lol - but that's the impact that she had on people. Not long ago she was at the US Airways Center being honored. That's what I love about the WNBA - it is about recognizing great athletes, as well as people.

After our game, Mrs. Joyner-Kersee came into the locker room and spoke with us. She was so down to earth and actually a fan of what we do. It's so amazing to come in contact with people that you watched growing up be just as much of a fan of what you do as you were at what they did/done/or still doing. She has done so many things for women in general - her hard work, dedication, love for her sport, and many other things that helped break barriers for young girls coming up behind her. I can't say enough to express my gratitude. That was a really great night.

The next Great Person that I was blessed to meet was Muhammad Ali.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" is what I remember (as well as "I'm Pretty"). "I'm Pretty" is another one of his sayings as he danced around the ring. He was addressing the media, and as he stood in front of our locker room a few nights ago, not as mobile as he once was, he was still PRETTY, PRETTY!! I know that he can still float like that butterfly and sting like that bee! He is still the great Muhammad Ali. He has done some great things for woman as well. He broke some barriers for African Americans, and he opened the eyes to people of all races, nationalities, and religions. I cant say enough about how great of a feeling it was to see him in person and to see the look on mine as well as my teammates faces when he graced us with his presence. It is a priceless moment, one that i will never forget.

There was something else that was going on with all this also. OH YEAH besides us clinching first place overall during regular season, we also became the 2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!!

This is another GREAT moment. I am still trying my best to put into words how excited I am about it and it still hasn't hit me yet. It is almost surreal but I can tell you that I love this feeling! I couldn't have asked to be with a better group of women. Hard working, fun, dedicated, etc, it's a joy. I am not taking anything away from my other teammates whom we were facing, because I truly love them and I am happy that I was able to play with them and get to know them. Winning the Western Conference has gotten me over that hump of just getting to that series. I love that.

I have to say that winning against LA did not have any extra motivation for me. Yes it is true, I was just in that uniform last year but the uniform that I am in now has given me a new opportunity, a fresh start, and a better chance. Rest assured that I couldn't have asked for a better group. The game a few days ago was Lisa Leslie-Lockwood's last WNBA game. She has retired; hung up her basketball shoes. She is arguably the best Center in the world and, believe me, those will be some pretty big shoes to fill. Lisa has done some great things in the game of basketball. She has Championships, Gold Medals, MVPs, All-Stars, Defensive Player of the Year awards to show for it. That speaks to her hard work, her dedication, and her determination to get better every year. She expanded her game every year and proved that she was a well rounded player. But I have to tell you that none of that tells you how great of a person she is. I had the honor of being her teammate for 3 years and I can tell you she showcased some phenomenal things. She showed that God was first in her life, she showed how caring, helpful, loving and supporting that she can be and was. Day in and day out she was there for you and her door was always open to you. She not only helped you on the court but she was also willing to help you in life. The WNBA is losing a great athlete, but the world outside of sports is gaining a wonderful person. I will miss Lisa very much and I will always love her for who she is and what she has done for me, my teammates and so many more to come.

OK I think that is enough for now! I will be back in touch with you all, and please know that we are not satisfied at all!! There is still more work to be done. Thank you for all of your love and support, as it would be impossible without you! You are truly our Sixth Man (congrats again to my girl, D.Bonner for winning that award this year!) and you are the BEST there is.

Until Next Time...

Meek