Said Usa Head Coach Nell Fortner example essay topic

Chamique Holdsclaw is a star on the rise. And considering the height she has already achieved, that's saying something. In her debut collegiate season, Holdsclaw's play sent ripples through the basketball community. Three years later, the ripples have turned into tsunami-sized waves. As a Tennessee freshman, Holdsclaw opened eyes when she scored a team-high 16 points against the 1995-96 USA Women's National Team on Nov. 22, 1995, then helped the Lady Vols to the 1996 NCAA crown. Making it a perfect three-for-three after winning it all again in 1997 and 1998, Holdsclaw earned 1997 and 1998 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for her stellar play.

Holdsclaw, as a college junior to be, tried out for and was selected for USA Basketball's 1997 World Championship Qualifying team. Despite being surrounded by 11 professionals during the summer of 97, and despite her lack of international experience, it was Holdsclaw's first trip out of the country, she more then proved herself to USA head coach Nell Fortner and the veteran players like Edna Campbell, Teresa Edwards, and Katie Smith. Finishing as the team's leading scorer and re bounder, Holdsclaw numbers sparkled - 19.0 pp. and 6.2 rpg. Helping the U.S. to 12-1 pre-competition record then the silver medal and a berth in the 98 World Championships, she had left her mark. While in Brazil at the qualifying tournament, Holdsclaw celebrated her 20th birthday by giving USA coach Fortner a memorable gift.

Scoring 32 points (12-14 FGs, 8-8 FTs) and adding seven rebounds, she led the USA to a hard-fought 94-90 victory over Cuba in the semifinals. Throughout the summer, Holdsclaw learned from four-time Olympian Edwards, perhaps one of the best players ever to play for USA Basketball. During the squad's pre-competition tour of Canada, Germany and Slovakia, Holdsclaw and Edwards were roommates, but about halfway through the tour, rooming assignments were to be switched around. Upon hearing that the rooming assignments were going to change, she asked Fortner to let Edwards and her continue to room together. How could Fortner deny her leading scorer? 'Last summer, Chamique was surrounded by great players like Teresa Edwards.

I think they were really good for each other, the grand dame' and the rookie. She brought some excitement to Teresa, who in turn gave some wisdom to Chamique. She played all over the world, leading the team in scoring and rebounding the whole time. That's a lot to ask from a young player, but she handled it like a pro and did a fantastic job. She's still getting better and there's no telling where her game is going to end up,' said USA head coach Nell Fortner. In 1998, a more polished and savvy Holdsclaw will continue to shine, this time among the world's best, letting it know that she is here to stay and will be as devastating as a tsunami to opponents for years to come.