MINNEAPOLIS--She's a six time all star but a first time host, and Maya Moore says she's thrilled to show off her hometown at this weekend’s WNBA All Star Game.
“It's time for an All Star Game, and I'm just so glad we said yes,” said Moore. “And it's already gotten off to a good start to make it special.”
It was certainly special for more than 80 girls chosen for a clinic on the Lynx practice court today, where five all star players led them through an hour of drills. Another 2,500 kids will see Friday's practice, and a thousand have free tickets to Saturday's game, all ways the league hopes young fans--especially females--will be the future of womens basketball.
“My favorite thing was dribbling, and we did down and back traveling with the ball,” said 10 year old Abby Stendahl of Maple Grove, one of the kids at Thursday’s clinic.
“They taught us new things and helped us with old things,” added Sophia Anderson, 10, of Maple Grove.
But as first time hosts, the Lynx have something for all fans, proud of the newly remodeled Target Center and of being in one of the most supportive WNBA cities in the league. Other events include a womens leadership panel, an orange carpet for player photos and autographs and a halftime three point shooting contest, each designed to spotlight athletes whose profiles---and popularity---are on the rise.
“(Sophia) asked whether women can succeed in professional sports,” said Bryan Anderson of his daughter. “And it was a great opportunity to show her that yes they can, and they can compete just like men do.”
This year's game is different in that the 22 players were chosen by fans, other players, head coaches and media and drafted by the two team captains.
Tip off for the big game is 2:30 Saturday at Target Center and tickets are still available.