Event Photos

Angie and I are not courtside, VIP or Suite season ticket holders. But with many thanks to Bill and Jill G. for their gracious invitation, we were able to attend their version of the yearly season ticket holder party held at the Furtado practice facility. At first, I didn't intend to write up an event description or post any photos since this was an event we were invited to and was an exclusive event for those fans who pay the bigger bucks for their seats. But, what better way to implore others who might be thinking about upgrading their seats next season than to show them one of the main perks that comes along with that seat upgrade? Heck, Angie and I are thinking about it ourselves. So I'm doing my part to help those season ticket sales for next season - here is my report.

This event, for the most part, was very much like the 2001 Global Grill season ticket holder party held at the Furtado, only much more laid back and much, much less crowded. Set up in the Furtado parking lot, we had a bunch of tables to sit or stand at, a lot of good food coming off the grill, plenty to drink, and the gym was open for those who wanted to shoot some hoops.

The players had apparently just finished practicing not too much earlier, because they began to filter out of the locker room end of the building shortly after the event started. I can tell you one thing, they were all hungry. Each of them made a beeline for the catering tables. As soon as they got their plates piled high, most of them came over to the fan tables to sit down, chow down and chat with the fans at that table. As I said, very laid back and casual.

Coach Donovan came out and spoke to the group about a lot of things - more speaking than I've seen her do before (although Angie and I did miss that preseason Q&A). I didn't keep any notes or anything like that, so I can't tell you everything she talked about. I can tell you, however, that as she described the contributions from all her staff and especially her Assistant Coaches, Jenny Boucek and Jessy Kenlaw, she got a little emotional. Once we got to mingle around a bit later, I overhead Jenny talking to Chris Rimple and another fan and saying that before this season, neither she nor Jessy personally knew Coach D - they knew of her by coaching against her. She went on to say that even so, they have all three come together and bonded into a tight knit group. This was a "theme" that was apparent for the whole organization at this event. All of them, the staff and players, seem very comfortable with each other and seem to sincerely like and care about each other. Coach Donovan made a statement describing how coaching here in Seattle is the best situation she could have hoped for because there are no egos getting in the way. For her Assistant Coaches, even though she has tried to get the press to talk them up more often to no avail, the two of them aren't looking for the limelight and are more content to work hard without a lot of attention. She also praised the players at length for being so coachable and willing to work so hard. She pointed out the efforts of a few players, but used Alisa Burras as an example of what she was talking about because even though Alisa is suffering through a knee injury and has been on the IR for a time, she has kept herself ready and responded when called upon in the Minnesota game. It is this kind of attitude that Coach Donovan said she didn't always have previously and is very happy to have here in Seattle.

The GPM (Great and Powerful Mckinney) came up next and talked about Coach Donovan, the organization and the importance of the fans. The best thing he had to say as he described the process he went through to hire Coach Donovan was how important it is to this team's current situation and future that the coaches and players all want to be here. He said that even though he had others to interview for the job, as soon as he had that first brief phone call with Anne after she got back from the World Championship last fall, he wanted to hire her right then. He also talked about LJ and how hard a time she had her first year here. He said that he told her at that time that the organization was committed to doing something significant each year to make the team better and move towards a championship. He also requested that we as fans continue to do our part in not only supporting the team but working to help fill the Key for every game. Attendance is up, but it always needs to be better. Billy then brought up Lauren and introduced her as the "2003 MVP."

Lauren talked briefly, but said a couple of important things. She again talked about how close she and the other players are and called them her "sisters." I know that this kind of statement can be a cliche at times, but she said it with such sincerity and even got a little misty that I believe her. The proof was really in how they were acting around each other the whole day (and how much they goof around together on the bench when things are going well). She also said that she's thinking about staying in Seattle after the season ends. I don't know if the Canberra Capitals or the Opals will be too please to hear that, but we all gave her a big cheer for it. Personally, other than playing for the Opals in the Olympics and representing her country, I think staying here in the off-season and working out with the Sonics (or something similar) might be the best thing she could do to improve her game. I don't know much about the WNBL and am ready to be corrected by the Aussie fans out there, but since LJ has so dominated that league I wonder if there is much challenge for her there. She did not say anything even close to that - this is simply my ill-informed speculation, but I think there is some logic to that idea.

After the speeches, it was time to mingle, chat and get some autographs. Here are some tidbits from the rest of the day (in no particular order):

Lauren is sporting some sort of "wound" on her forehead. I asked her about it because it looks like it hurt when she got it. She said she got it during practice, not during a game. Hmmm. Afterwards, I learned that the speculation is (possibly supported by inside info) is that her forehead injury was not elbow-induced, but is in fact a curling iron accident. I will say that up close, it does look more like a burn than a scrape. Only Lauren, and her practice mates, know for sure.

Tonya's last name is indeed Washington-Massaline, but she explained with a big smile that Washington-Massaline is a bit much to fit on a jersey.

There were a few raffle items given away during the event. The best one went to a little girl who couldn't have been more than about 5 - a full sized set of player warm-ups. As soon as the little girl, with Mom, accepted the prize that the little girl may never completely grow into, Simone dashed over, stole the pants and ran away. Simone said she wouldn't give them back unless the little girl came and got them. Of course, as soon as the girl would get close, Simone would make a quick move or hide behind a table. After much hilarity, she finally surrendered.

Towards the end of the event, after people starting heading into the gym for some shooting contests with some of the players, Lauren, Alisa, Danielle and Amanda starting signing and writing on their own shirts. When they start autographing each other, you know they are getting a little autograph punchy. The funniest part was when LJ sat down in front of Coach Donovan so that Coach could write something. It must have tickled because LJ kept jumping, especially every time Coach D wrote an "e."

Inside the gym, Sue was playing HORSE with a little girl (who was hitting some shots BTW). Besides taking a couple pics and then leaving them alone, I was reminded that someone paid more than $2500 or so for a game just like this with Sue on that Yahoo Breast Health auction.

Kamila wants a nickname, but it can't be a "violent" one like some of the ones we've already come up with such as Killa or Thrilla. She would prefer something that accentuates her game or skills. WNBAfanforever, Chris Rimple and I got to talking about that with her and I pointed out that I've always thought her shot mechanics are just about perfect. She may be off on the shooting percentage this year, but you have to admit she shoots the same way each time and has near flawless form. She didn't agree of course, but I think there might be something there for a new nickname.

Coach Donovan got some quality baby time with Bill and Jill's son, Jake. They were having some of the players sign his jumper and asked Coach D to sign it too. She immediately went into cute baby mode and was pouring the love on little Jake. Very touching, and cute.

When the players came to sit down at the tables at the beginning of the event, they all were asking "Is it okay if I sit here?" or "Is this seat taken?" Like anyone would have said no.

The longest lines for autographs were definitely for Simone and Adia. All of the players were very relaxed (I'm sure beating Minnesota the night before helped a little), and were very chatty and open.

I was personally very happy that the team signed ball I won on the Yahoo Breast Health auction came last week because I was able to "fill in" by getting Tonya and the coaches to sign it too. Last year, the ball didn't arrive until after the season and was missing Kate Starbird. I was also able to get the Caption This 2nd place prize signed at this event (team poster signed by the starters).

Lastly, again many thanks to Bill and Jill (and Jake) for inviting us. For any of you out there who are "sitting on the fence" about whether to upgrade your seats or not, believe me when I say this event alone may be worth it.