This Is Our Team: Tamika Catchings
01 July 2008
From the very first game, Tamika Catchings has endured a relentless stream of obstacles. Is this the year she can finally overcome her past?
With her trademark toughness and iron resolve, Tamika Catchings is the player to fear in 2008.
Seven years ago, just before her very first professional league game, Tamika suffered a serious injury. As a result, she was the only rookie that year who didn’t set foot on the hardwood. But, true to form, starting her career with a major setback only fueled her determination. And when Tamika came back in 2002, she was better than ever – and proved it by earning the Rookie of the Year award.
Now it’s 2008, and Tamika Catchings is in a similar situation. For the past year, she’s been suffering from a serious Achilles heel injury, forced to sit on the sidelines and watch her teammates play from afar. But after a season of rest, rehab, and the fiercest determination in the league, Tamika is back – and ready to join up with Team USA.
For Tamika, Team USA is like a second home. Her experience playing for her country goes back to 1996, when she won a silver medal playing for the Under-18 team. Since then, she’s gone on to collect accolades at every turn
Tamka is the only WNBA player to win gold medals at the World Championships at both the junior and senior level, not to mention the gold she took home at the 2004 Summer Games. In professional play, Tamika is a five-time All-Star, and has twice been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, she’s taking the next natural step. On Team USA’s recent tour of Italy, Tamika was named one of the team’s leaders, asked to work alongside Katie Smith to mentor and guide the team. Together, they led the U.S. to a 4-0 record; and though Tamika had team highs in scoring and rebounds, she was far more proud of her new role as motivator.
When Coach Donovan asked her to take the reigns on the court, she felt she was ready.
"I've always sort of led by example and not said much. But having someone like Coach Donovan say the things I may be thinking is a good thing," said Tamika Catchings. "It's my time. I've had some great people to learn under."
Tamika’s overcome countless challenges and obstacles to earn her spot, making her quiet determination all the more fearsome. And now that she’s back from the bench, fans of Team USA can be sure of one thing: she’ll be at her best this summer in Beijing.
More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
With her trademark toughness and iron resolve, Tamika Catchings is the player to fear in 2008.
Seven years ago, just before her very first professional league game, Tamika suffered a serious injury. As a result, she was the only rookie that year who didn’t set foot on the hardwood. But, true to form, starting her career with a major setback only fueled her determination. And when Tamika came back in 2002, she was better than ever – and proved it by earning the Rookie of the Year award.
Now it’s 2008, and Tamika Catchings is in a similar situation. For the past year, she’s been suffering from a serious Achilles heel injury, forced to sit on the sidelines and watch her teammates play from afar. But after a season of rest, rehab, and the fiercest determination in the league, Tamika is back – and ready to join up with Team USA.
For Tamika, Team USA is like a second home. Her experience playing for her country goes back to 1996, when she won a silver medal playing for the Under-18 team. Since then, she’s gone on to collect accolades at every turn
Tamka is the only WNBA player to win gold medals at the World Championships at both the junior and senior level, not to mention the gold she took home at the 2004 Summer Games. In professional play, Tamika is a five-time All-Star, and has twice been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, she’s taking the next natural step. On Team USA’s recent tour of Italy, Tamika was named one of the team’s leaders, asked to work alongside Katie Smith to mentor and guide the team. Together, they led the U.S. to a 4-0 record; and though Tamika had team highs in scoring and rebounds, she was far more proud of her new role as motivator.
When Coach Donovan asked her to take the reigns on the court, she felt she was ready.
"I've always sort of led by example and not said much. But having someone like Coach Donovan say the things I may be thinking is a good thing," said Tamika Catchings. "It's my time. I've had some great people to learn under."
Tamika’s overcome countless challenges and obstacles to earn her spot, making her quiet determination all the more fearsome. And now that she’s back from the bench, fans of Team USA can be sure of one thing: she’ll be at her best this summer in Beijing.
More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
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