WNBA Fan Voice

Hey everyone,

We have spent a lot of time on the road and time has just flown by! 

So far, this season has been anything but predictable.  The way our season started was not what you would call playoff material, but in the last couple weeks we’ve rallied and found ourselves just a half game back and I could not be more excited!

It has always been my dream to not only play in the WNBA, but to reach the playoffs and eventually win a WNBA championship.  This dream is what drives me to be so focused and motivated even during our tough times. 

One of these trials came during our recent road trip to Indiana, Connecticut, Minnesota and New York.  Being on the road for 10 days forced us to be even more focused and ready to play than usual.  One upside of being on the road though: New York City.  Our hotel was right in the middle of Times Square and it was so cool to see the lights and nightlife of the city up close.

Ultimately, winning two out of four games on the road gave me and the rest of the team the boost we needed.  I am feeling more and more confident now in our strength as a team and I cannot wait to play my role in getting us into the playoffs.

Till next time,

Andrea Riley

Friday against Connecticut was our first game without CP and we came out ready to play.  We had the lead at the half and even were up by as many as 13 points at one point.  But then we just had too many breakdowns and the Sun hit some big shots.

Now we’re on our way for our last road trip for the month of June before we have a four-game home stand.  I’m expecting us to take care of business this weekend and move up in the standings.

So for me, things have continued to move really fast.  We’ve had three events over the last week and half and they’ve been, fun but it’s also really about balancing basketball, events and life and still finding time to rest, eat right and work on my game.  We have a lot of veteran players who have been doing it for a long time and the good thing about them is that they are still down to earth and willing to help and offer advice.  I mean, really help out with anything.  I guess that’s just what great teammates do though.

While I want to be known as a great player, I’d love to be known as a great teammate.

My rookie season has been very humbling so far.  The reason I say this is because we all have a time in our life where we need to make adjustments.  Well, this is my time.  I think that being a rookie really helps you as a person both on and off the court because it shows you at your strongest and weakest points.  More often than not they are things  that you never thought you had.

I really enjoy my teammates and they always keep me up if I am down. They teach me everything in a way that is so different from college that sometimes it does get to me.  At the same time I always listen and keep an open mind about things because they have been here longer and know what it takes. 

Not only am I excited about this opportunity, but I know that this season will be something to remember despite the situation.  I know that patience is a virtue and that is what this team needs: patience.  Our time is coming and we all know that.  My job as a rookie is to keep this team positive if everyone is down.  I feel like my role is to be that energetic player that brings excitement while being able to learn at the same time. 

You have to be tough when you are a rookie because everything is new to you and around you.  But when you have teammates like mine, things become very comforting in a short amount of time.

Till next time,

Andrea Riley