“I realize I’m a free spirit. I like to be happy. I have to have more control of my happiness.”

“I always promised myself that if I was in position to be successful, I wouldn’t take it for granted, because I know in the past how hard I’ve worked.”

“I’m kind of a quiet leader, and I just try to lead by example. But then sometimes you have to say something.”

“A lot of times people say, ‘You act like a grandmother, you’re just totally laid back, nothing bothers you.’”

“I just play basketball. I’m athletic. Skinny but strong, tall but quick.”

“I’ve always been a step ahead. A lot of people haven’t experienced the things I’ve experienced, and made me a stronger person. The life I’ve been exposed to has let me know what step to take and how not to go back a step. I take life one day at a time, and I prepare myself for each one of those days.”

“It’s the team success I’m going to remember.”

“I want to become one of the best players that ever played the game."

“My teammates know I’m down to earth. I’ll joke with them. But when it comes to basketball, I try to be serious about it.”

“I want to be different from anyone ever.”

“I just go out there and play basketball. God’s given me the ability. The only thing I can do is go out and play."

“I wasn’t going to be average.”

“I’m a confident player, I know I can score. I don’t think anyone can guard me consistently off the dribble. But I’m a team player."

“I don’t know if I’m the best. There are better shooters, better defenders, but there aren’t too many female who play the game like I do.”

“It’s an honor to be considered in the same breath, but I’m not Michael Jordan. I’m the first Chamique Holdsclaw. And I think that’s where the women’s game has to get to, when women are recognized on their own.”

“The one thing I’ve always done is work hard. That’s not going to change.”

“I never get used to the response that people have toward me.”

“I just like to win basketball games. That’s what motivates me.”