There is much to be excited about right now in the WNBA, and possibly no team has more to be amped up for than the New York Liberty. The Liberty made an early exit from the playoffs last year but made a big push this offseason, acquiring two first-round picks and signing former WNBA champion and Coach of the Year, Bill Laimbeer. All of these pieces were bought in to complement the Liberty’s superstar Cappie Pondexter. The Chicago native is coming off a huge year last year, averaging 20.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists and will be keeping a diary throughout the 2013 WNBA season here on SLAMonline. Check back throughout the year as Cappie gives us an insider look at the life of a professional basketball player.—Ed.
As told to Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup
Hey SLAM fans! A few weeks ago we participated in WNBA Cares Week. My Liberty teammates and I held a basketball clinic with our Garden of Dreams Foundation partner WHEDco in the Bronx. One hundred and ten kids between ages 9-14 were involved in the camp and we focused on ball handling, shooting and defense. WNBA Cares week is a very special time for the league and the Garden of Dreams Foundation gives us a chance to give back. This is what we do—the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty—we take pride in making dreams come true for children facing obstacles. It puts a smile on the kid’s faces, and we also have a blast at the events. 
This year, we have new members of our coaching staff in Taj-McWilliams-Franklin, Barbara Farris, Teresa Weatherspoon and Tamika Whitmore. I have the utmost respect for these former great players. They have all had the chance to play for this organization and made an impact in the league. They know the game, I consider them pioneers. For me personally, T-Spoon is like a big sister, so I try to soak in all the advice she gives me.
Our first home game of the season was an exciting one. We opened against the Tulsa Shock and the energy in the building was great. I was able to hit the game-winner in overtime with .5 seconds left on the clock. This is what I do; they call me “the closer.” I love moments like that. I have been hitting big shots like that since I was a rookie in Phoenix. I can go 0-4, but with the clock running down I want the ball in my hands.
Matching up against Skylar Diggins was cool. A lot of people are putting pressure on the kid to do all of these spectacular things. She’s a point guard, and gets her team involved. She is a leader, and did a good job in the game against us.
Recently we had a photo shoot with photographer Jason McDonald. He is a really dope photographer. Jason is a really cool person; I enjoyed my time around him. His energy was great and I thought it was really cool the Liberty brought him in to do the shoot.
On another note, the weather has been great out here. I have my baby out now, my Porsche Boxter, and I have been pushing her out. I enjoy riding her out to White Plains to the practice facility. Makes me happy because I haven’t driven the car since last summer.
Til next time,
Cappie Pondexter, @cappa23
