Drafted by the Seattle Storm from Penn State University in the first round of the 2005 WNBA Draft (12th overall), guard Tanisha Wright has been known throughout her career as a defensive force. After earning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors three times as a collegian, Wright has been named to the WNBA All-Defensive team three times.
Wright has spent all eight seasons of her professional career in Seattle, including the championship season of 2010, when she averaged more than nine points, three rebounds and two assists per game.
In eight WNBA seasons, Wright has missed only three games and started all but one contest for the Storm from 2009-2011.
Wright, who has helped the Storm to a 9-10 record thus far in 2012, was one of several Storm players recently at South Bellevue Community Center for a youth basketball camp and took some time with the Reporter to talk about the state of the women’s game, how she spends her off time and Seattle sports fans.
BELLEVUE REPORTER: What has been the biggest change you have witnessed in the league during your eight seasons?
TANISHA WRIGHT: The biggest change is that the athletes coming in are just really good. They start at a young age and develop a lot longer than some of the older players did. They have more opportunity too, and all of that has made the teams much better.
REPORTER: As that trend continues, do you think the league will continue to improve across the board?
WRIGHT: I expect that will continue now that the league is doing well and there are so many role models. Younger girls are looking up to a lot more players and have a bigger opportunity.
REPORTER: What is your message to the kids you are speaking to at the camp?
WRIGHT: Just to work hard, have fun and enjoy it. Sports are an opportunity to interact with other people. There’s a lot of life lessons within the framework of sports and a lot they can learn like cooperation, teamwork, stuff they will take to a normal job.
REPORTER: You have only missed three games in eight seasons. How have you been able to stay healthy so consistently?
WRIGHT: For sure, I’ve been blessed. God has really just taken care of me these past eight years. I’m dealing with some small health issues this year, but nothing serious that keeps me out. I’ve been blessed over the years to be healthy and I’ve learned to take care of my body. The older you get, the harder it is to recoup.
REPORTER: After nearly a decade with the Storm, do you make the Pacific Northwest your permanent home?
WRIGHT: I live in the Southeast. But I like being here in the summer. There is really no other place that compares. It’s the most beautiful place in the country this time of the year.
REPORTER: How would you summarize your career thus far and how has playing in Seattle the entire time helped shape the way you look at the fans of the WNBA?
WRIGHT: It’s been a journey, there have been ups and downs, but overall this ride has been amazing. The fans in Seattle are top-notch. They come out and support every single night. Even when we weren’t winning championships or to start this year, when we were 1-7, they made sure they showed up. You can’t put a value on that, it’s priceless to be able to play in front of these fans.
REPORTER: How do you spend your time away from the game?
WRIGHT: When I’m not training I just relax, I like to be at home. I have a really close family and whenever I have free time, I like to make sure I enjoy it with them.
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