Dawn Staley's Diary: Big Philly Style

Dawn is right at home in the City of Brotherly Love, where she always gets by with a little help from her friends

Lisa Leslie, Nikki McCray, DeLisha Milton and I stop traffic. Courtesy USA Basketball

After traveling all over Europe on the national team's winter tour, I was proud of our efforts (we went 29-2!) but bummed that my teammates had to finish without me. I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee in late February, and now, with the WNBA season less than a month away, I can't wait to get back on the court and help the Sting bring the title to Charlotte.

I began rehabbing, then reunited with the rest of the national team in New York City and Philadelphia. New York was fun, but I had a blast being in Philly for the women's Final Four. Nothing compares to spending time in my hometown, so I'm pretty excited about my brand new job -- as head women's basketball coach at Temple University! I start this fall after Sydney and I am psyched for the challenge.

When I was in Philly for the Final Four, I was busy with basketball responsibilities: autograph sessions, TV interviews and a Nike photo shoot. I even did a spot in my old neighborhood at the Hank Gathers Recreation Center. ESPN was talking to famous Philadelphians, so of course that segment wouldn't be complete without me!

Lisa and I dig into world-famous Philly cheesesteaks. Courtesy USA Basketball

On our last night in Philly, I hosted an auction to benefit my organization, The Dawn Staley Foundation, which looks out for 40 girls who come after school for tutoring, basketball and other activities. I was nervous about how it would turn out -- until I started receiving items from athletes around the country. In addition to donations from the national team, we auctioned autographed memorabilia from Nolan Ryan, Allen Iverson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Emmitt Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper and many more. This was our first major fund-raiser, and it was a big success! We raised $30,000, which meant a lot to me since Philly has supported me so much over the years. I love giving back.

We all said our goodbyes after the auction. I'll see my USA teammates over the summer, but the vibe will be different -- we'll be playing against each other. It was strange to part ways knowing that we wouldn't be back together as a team until after the season's over, in August. Then it'll be time to roll on to the gold in Sydney. In the meanwhile, don't miss the Charlotte Sting coming soon to a city near you! Until next time, peace from Philly.

 
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