Ok, I need to take a minute and shift my focus to my hometown team, the Phoenix Mercury. As most of you know, fans of Lauren Jackson have been on pins and needles for the past 4 months, anticipating which team she would choose to play for in 2009. The answer finally came yesterday, when news broke that she decided to re-signed with Seattle (for a mere 1 year deal…but I digress). For me, no surprise. She is the cornerstone of that club, not to mention adored by fans and teammates alike. C’mon, who would leave? Well, its over. She has decided. What’s done is done, right?

Not exactly…

When the news got out, I went to read fan reactions on the likes of message boards, twitter, and facebook. As I sifted through the grateful (and often gushing) Storm fan reactions, I came across many Mercury fan reactions that really surprised me. Yes, there was remorse, anger, and a hint of bitterness. That is to be expected. But, what I did not expect were the fans who had given up on the Mercury, as if without Lauren Jackson, we are nothing. Some of the quotes read “It isn’t looking good…” or “We’re fu***d” I was shocked! (Detroit pun not intended) Is this the loyal voice of the X-factor that I have come to know and love for their undying support of their beloved Mercury? Say it isn’t so!

Can we, just for a minute, put down the hari kari dagger and step away from the ledge, please? Before anyone can throw in the towel on the Mercury, let me remind you where we’ve come from, what we’ve accomplished, and where we can go from here. (And no, I have nothing bad to say about Lauren Jackson. Yes, I was a bit irritated by how long she took, but I’m over it.) By the time we arrived at the 2007 season, no one was giving us a shot. Very few outside the loyal X – factor fans believed the Mercury would end that season with a championship. That season was not only amazing for the Mercury, but we accomplished several things – most notably – sweeping the playoffs and taking the title on the road. Faith of the fans held strong though that entire season; we were unbreakable!

2008 was a transition year, and we didn’t find our groove. Yes, we lost Penny, and Westhead. Yes, we missed the playoffs. But I want to look at the positive things. LaCoe Willingham was a new acquisition who didn’t put in many minutes for her previous team, the Connecticut Sun. Upon her arrival in Phoenix she was quickly in the running for most improved player. Dee and Cappie were also leading the league in scoring, not half bad either. Bottom line; the fans still did not give up.

I want to take you back to the final home game of the season. It was a glorious win of 99-74 over Houston. But more importantly, the playing was absolutely beautiful. No hesitation offense, rock solid defense, and cohesive teamwork. It was reflective of a season of trying to find a groove; that night, they found it.

Now, we stand at the crossroads, looking to 2009 for strength, focus and possibly…redemption. We have several things this season that we were missing last year. For once, a training camp with almost every player in attendance. No, Cappie and Diana will not be stepping off the plane and on to the court. Also, we have a few new acquisitions, in Nicole Ohlde, a 6’5” center, and Temeka Johnson, a sharp shooting guard. Lets not forget our 5^th draft pick, DeWanna Bonner. She’s a 6’4” guard, who’s young, fast and without injuries. With our returning players, I believe and Ann Myers-Drysdale and Coach Gaines can put together a team worthy of a championship run. Allow me to reiterate the first part of that statement. I Believe! We need to stop focusing on what could have been, and to what we have; right here, right now. If you are still feeling let down because a certain 6’5” Aussie went back to Seattle, then ask yourself one question –

Are you a Lauren Jackson fan, or a Mercury fan?

I don’t know about you, but I’m a Mercury fan. I believe. I believe in our team, I believe in the fans, and I believe that we can make greatness happen this year.

GO MERCURY!!!!!!!

Hey All! The WNBA just created a new page over at WNBA.com - it has all the player blogs, as well as their facebook pages and more! It is nice to have all that in one spot. Check out the lower right hand corner; the WNBA has featured my journey for this summer. A BIG thanks goes out to the staff at the WNBA for helping me get the word out. You guys rock! Now get out there and buy your game tickets. 2009 is the season that is not to be missed!

http://www.wnba.com/features/connect.html

I'm now officialy under the two month mark! This journey is going to be so awsome! Can't wait to see everyone out there!!

Hey, if you're on facebook, go check out my facebook page at

www.facebook.com/13teams1journey

You can respond to video posts over at my you tube page at

http://www.youtube.com/user/13teams1journey

My twitter updates are posted on the right.
Or, just send me an email at 13teams1journey@gmail.com

Would love to hear from you!!!!

Hey All,
Ok, it is time to get HYPED! Check out my video and head on over to you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/13teams1journey

Then, post a video response and show your team some love! C'mon, lemmie hear ya WNBA fans!!!

This past Wednesday I was in for a real treat! I asked my friend Lisa if we could talk WNBA over coffee, and tape it for my blog. She agreed, and suggested we tape the chat in none other than the Phoenix Mercury locker room! This was indeed an exciting moment. Yeah, the team wasn't there, but it was quite a thrill to sit in the locker room of my home team. Check out our chat, as we talk about the Mercury, and the upcoming WNBA season.

Hey All,
Ok, so by now you've seen my reasons for this trip, as well as my planning process. It is (or it should be) pretty apparent that I am quite a passionate fan of the WNBA. I just wanted to say that the reaction I have been getting has been fantastic!! Yes, there are the haters, but luckily I have not encountered them yet. A big shout out to all the junkies over at rebkell's message boards, who have been welcoming and generous with a ton of support. I have been so distracted this week, because I am even MORE excited about this trip than I was before. And looking at the calendar, it will be April soon...2 more months and then the WNBA season starts!!! I can't wait, as I have been watching highlight clips on youtube endlessly for the past 3 weeks. If you are a fan, and will be at the games this summer, check out my schedule and drop me a line so I know to come say hi. 13teams1journey@gmail.com. Next time hope to have a little more to say.

till then...

Here it is! The plan that will take me to 13 (well, 12 plus 1 - I live in Phoenix...does that count?) different cities. As you can see, I am quite the visual planner. Funny thing is, I am not even close to being done. LOL. I'll be back with more very soon.