http://www.wnba.com/voices/holdsclaw_050812_voices.html Holdsclaw is having fun again Finding the Right Balance With Matt Wurst, WNBA.com August 12, 2005 - Just a year ago, WNBA All-Star forward Chamique Holdsclaw was going head-to-head with an unknown opponent, one she had never faced before. It was a personal struggle that the former Olympic gold medalist did not immediately disclose. She took the rest of the season off to deal with what she later revealed to be depression. But now Holdsclaw is back, playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and enjoying herself. She just turned 28 on August 9th while back in her hometown of New York to play the Liberty and desperately wants to get back to the playoffs. --------------------------------------------------- Chamique Holdsclaw was an All-Star once again in 2005 for a record-tying sixth time. Jennifer Pottheiser /NBAE/Getty Images Q. First of all, happy birthday. Do you have any big plans to celebrate with friends and family while you are home? "Yes, it feels good to be home. I am actually having a party. My friends are throwing me a private party, so I get to see my friends and family for a little bit. Over 700 people R.S.V.P-ed and it's a nice place, so I'm just excited to see everyone." Q. So how does a native New Yorker deal with the traffic in Los Angeles? Are you getting used to it? "It's tough, but luckily, the places that I have to go, I don't have to deal with the traffic too often. I can take local streets to the Staples Center. It's pretty easy for me, but one time I did get caught in the traffic, and boy was I upset. I was like 'Wow, this takes me back' and reminded me of when my dad was driving us around New York and we'd get stuck in traffic. But so far, so good." Q. Have you gotten to spend any time at the beach? "I love walking down Venice Beach just to see the sites. It's like being in Greenwich Village in New York as there are a lot of characters and different personalities. You'll see a man riding down the boardwalk on roller skates singing and playing the guitar as well as a lot of other people performing, so it's a lot of fun." Q. Is it easiest to blend in as an athlete in New York, Washington or Los Angeles? "Los Angeles because everyone thinks that they are a star in L.A. There is so much going on, so they say 'Heeey' and keep walking." Q. What kinds of things do you get to do there when not practicing or playing? "Pretty much just hanging out with my teammates, walking on the beach, shopping, hitting the Beverly Center and the Grove. Just hanging out." Q. Looking back on yourself from a year ago, how would you say that you have changed as a person? "I have definitely matured a lot, but most importantly, I realized that I need to do what I want, go with what I feel and what makes me happy. I am going to live my life for me and not try and please everyone and worry about everyone else as much. I'm a nurturer, so if someone is struggling, it is in my nature to want to help them. I always sacrifice my personal well-being for others. Now I focus more on myself. I still look out for other people because that's compassion, but I have to take care of me first and foremost. It's about a balance." The Sparks have not missed the playoffs since 1998. Noah Graham /NBAE/Getty Images Q. Are you finding that the fans are supportive and encouraging around the WNBA? "Oh definitely. I remember one reporter asked me how I would react when I walked into arenas and fans had signs and were making of me, but I haven't experienced that. Everything with the fans has been positive." Q. So if you had a vote now, who would be your M.V.P. pick? "For MVP this year, I'm going to go with either Yolanda Griffith or Tamika Catchings." Q. Do you know what your plans are yet for the offseason? Will you be going back to Spain? "No, I will not be playing in Spain. I might just stay home, but I haven't decided yet. If I do play, I might just play two months in Korea." Q. The Sparks have been inconsistent all season long. What will it take to get the team into the playoffs? "We are just going to have to play hard at home and get these wins We're going out and playing better. We have played better team basketball. It's just the little things. We have to cut down on some of our turnovers, play better defense and keep pushing. It is coming together." --

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