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Chat Reel: Chamique Holdsclaw

Read what the Mystics star had to say to CNNSI.com users

Posted: Wednesday July 28, 1999 09:34 PM

After basketball Holdsclaw hopes to own her own business. AP

Washington Mystics forward and WNBA rookie Chamique Holdclaw chatted with CNNSI.com users recently. A transcript of her comments follows:

CNNSI HOST: Good evening, and welcome to the CNN/SI Chat Channel. Tonight's guest is Chamique Holdsclaw of the Washington Mystics. Good evening!
Chamique Holdsclaw: Thanks

From Guest71726: What has been the biggest adjustment that you have had to make coming out of college?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Glad to be here. The biggest adjustment has been the wins and losses...Coming out of Tennessee, I wasn't used to losing as much

From Noelle: How do you feel about playing in the WNBA without Kellie Jolly?
Chamique Holdsclaw: You know, I miss Kellie...I was upset when she got waived by Cleveland...I know that whatever she does, she will succeed

From Chance: Chamique, what do you feel you have to improve on in the next WNBA season?
Chamique Holdsclaw: A little bit of everything...but, mostly my strength

From Patricia: Can you tell us anything about your signature shoe?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Air FoamPosite...it's an AirZoom product...it secures my foot, it's low to the ground, and it allows me to move quicker

From Cindy: Chamique, we already miss you in Knoxville! Will you be coming back during the season at all to watch any games or visit with your teammates and coaches?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Yes I will. I will be at the Georgia game, and probably UCONN

From Melanie: At this point, who do you consider the MVP in the WNBA?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Probably, Yolanda Griffith

From Guest10927: What kind of endorsments are you involved with
Chamique Holdsclaw: Nike, and I'm working on some other ones, but mainly Nike

From Johnny77: Chamique, is life in the WNBA what you expected it to be, or is it better?
Chamique Holdsclaw: It's what I expected. Coming from a program like Tennessee, you're catered to, and coming into the WNBA, you're a professional athlete, and that comes with a lot of advantages

From Kwame: Now, how do you balance all the attention and keep your focus on your game?
Chamique Holdsclaw: I just remain true to myself, and follow what my grandmother taught me, which was to have self confidence and remain humble

From Guest07137: A lot has been made about athletes being role models, what do you think about this?
Chamique Holdsclaw: I would say that I really dislike the term role model. You have to be yourself.

From Guest06545: What type of career do you plan to pursue after you b-ball career is over? (I know that's a long way away)
Chamique Holdsclaw: I think I want to own my own business some day, as well as get into acting

From Raphael: What was it like playing in the All Star Game? Are you looking forward to next years'?
Chamique Holdsclaw: It was exciting. I had the chance to play in front of my friends and family, and I got a chance to be a part of history

From Guest06545: What team do you see taking the NCAA championship next year?
Chamique Holdsclaw: I'm definitely going to go with my alma mater, Tennessee

From Guest61900: How do you feel about some people calling you the female version of Michael Jordan?
Chamique Holdsclaw: I consider it an honor, but I'm looking for my own identity...I want to be the first Chamique Holdsclaw

From Jamie: Hey Chamique, its your freind Jamie from high school..Whats up with Kristina Alexander? Is she still playing?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Yes she is. She is playing at George Washington.

From Milt: Do you ever want to get into coaching?
Chamique Holdsclaw: Not at all. I'm just a player.

From Guest84759: Who has been the toughest player you had to guard this season?
Chamique Holdsclaw: That's a tough question. There are a lot of great players, and there are a number of players that are really competitive.

From Guest71726: How have you been able to adjust to losing so many games this year considering your past success?
Chamique Holdsclaw: The first thing is to not accept losing, and also go in every day hoping that you can turn things around.

From chance: What has Pat Summers help to make you a better player?
Chamique Holdsclaw: She has taught me to be very competitive and be mentally and physically prepared. Also, that preparation is the key to success.

From Damjan: With the popularity of the Women's World Cup and women's sports, don't you think the WNBA season should be extended and salaries in the league drawn closer to those of the NBA ones?
Chamique Holdsclaw: I think women's sports are kind of new, and it will be a while before we are paid like NBA players, but I do think that the season will be extended, and salaries will be increased.

CNNSI HOST: Thank you for taking the time to join us this evening for our chat with Chamique Holdsclaw. Stay tuned to CNNSI.com for the best in WNBA coverage all season long. A transcript will be available later this evening at http://cnnsi.com/
Chamique Holdsclaw: Thanks, everyone!

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