Exclusive Interview by Linda E. (STL) March 2009

Interview – Becky talks Russia, teammates, and the upcoming WNBA Season

I thought that since the site was going to be re-launching with a new look, new content, more features, etc. that it was only right that we also bring you guys a new interview. I got the opportunity to ask Becky about Russia, her teammates, coaches, the differences in the leagues, and most importantly what’s in her mind for this upcoming WNBA season. – STL What was your first impression of Russia when you got there? Becky – Obviously it was pretty cold and gloomy when I got off the plane, but I settled in quickly once I met all my teammates, and got into my apartment. CSKA hooks me up with a pretty nice flat over here… fully equipped with an Xbox, CD/DVD, surround sound, and a big screen tv… which if you’ve ever been overseas that's a big luxury! What do you do in your free time while you are there? Becky – I read quite a bit, listen to music, and roam the internet a little, and I do mean a little.. Occasionally I’ll watch a movie or something, and I’m always up to hang with teammates. We’ve got a great team here, all the girls are sweethearts and a lot of fun to hang out with! Have family and friends come to see you there? Becky – My mom and dad are the only ones to come so far this year and they definitely came at the wrong time! They were only here for five days or so, and our team folded, so they had a very short visit.. haha, my mom was not happy!! lol What are your teammates and coaches like? Becky – Well me and Edwige as I’m sure you can tell, don’t get along at all! Lol… we spend A LOT of time laughing!! My teammates are great! Like I said, very sweet girls, and funny.. The Russian girls are a little more on the quiet side, I think they laugh AT us most of the time, but it’d be hard to find a nicer group of girls.. I love them, and each of them have their own distinct personalities. I love the harmony in the diversity! And my coaches, haha… they’re funny too… Igor’s always challenging me to make deep 3’s or half court shots to end practice! They don’t speak much English, but I still very much enjoy them!! What are the biggest differences between playing overseas vs. playing in the WNBA? Becky – If you don’t play well on a given night in the WNBA, you’ll probably lose that night. There are some teams here that you can beat pretty easily and still not play well. And the quickness and strength of WNBA players is at a higher level overall. What kind of advantage do you think you, Ann, and Edwige will bring into this WNBA season, having played together year round for quite some time now? Becky – Obviously, the more time we spend on the court together, it can only help. I think there’s a trust factor that’s very strong both on and off the court that has been built up. Relationships take time. And it helps that I don’t think any of us are “petty”girls, we don’t sweat the small stuff, we’re all laid back but also extremely competitive. You don’t want to see us get into it on Ann’s Wii or on guitar hero for sure though!!! Lol… Honestly we’re all great friends, and I think really enjoy playing together. What are you looking forward to this WNBA season? Becky – I actually look forward to seeing all my teammates and coaches! AND competing! If we stay healthy, then I think we have another great opportunity to win it all. We’ve taken great strides these past two years, and we gotta take the last step of the journey. Each year we’ve gone a step further, so this year should be step 3 to the ring!! What are you missing the most being away from home? Becky – The obvious answer is family and friends.. but along with that I miss my boy Cody!! MY big comfortable, cozy bed… my car, my house, and the SUNSHINE!! What will be one of the first things you do when you get back to San Antonio? Becky – I’ll call my girl Leigh Anne and hit up Smoothie King! Then head to the pool for a BBQ. What was the last thing you regret buying? Becky – Umm.. well most of the time if I regret it, I just give it away! So actually I don’t regret too much, because it always seems to make someone happy!! But its pretty much a guarantee it’s probably not going back to the store!! What is the most important invention or innovation that has happened during your life-time? Becky – Technology now days is just ridiculous. I’m amazed at things we can do these days. I remember having a 12 foot long telephone cord, and now my nieces and nephews have cell phones! What I would love to see invented though in my life-time is a cure for cancer and AIDS. If you were to be remembered for one thing, what would you like it to be? Becky – That I helped bring people into a closer relationship with God, and Him providing hope for everyone. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do? Becky – I probably wouldn’t do too much differently. I’m big on giving people their privacy.. And eavesdropping is out of the question. I don’t like it when a conversation starts out, “I shouldn’t tell you this, but…” ok then don’t tell me! lol.. What three words might other people use to describe your personality? Becky – Ughh.. ask Leigh Ann.. lol.. reality vs. perception.. I don’t know…. When Becky told me that I should ask Leigh Anne to describe her personality in three words, I did just that. Leigh Anne Gullet: Her personality…. hmmmm…. I think she’s hilarious, so funny has to be in there somewhere. She’s also very generous and kind-hearted. And she’s wise… sometimes I talk to her and even though we’re the same age, I feel like she’s so much older than I am because where I might have an immature response to something, she always has a wise, mature one…. she makes me a better person even when I don’t want to be… haha… So let’s go with funny, generous and wise… how’s that? Although I have to say it’s really tough to pin her down in just three words. She’s more complex than that. Oh and she’s a GIANT NERD who doesn’t appreciate a good book when it hits her in the head (cough, Harry Potter, cough, cough).