Pass The Ball Blog
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Log on to washingtonmystics.com every day to read what Mystics players, coaches and staff are sharing with fans (and each other). Now you can share the latest Pass the Ball entries with your friends! Just copy the permalinks below.
Staff names, titles & descriptions are listed below for your reference.
Bryce Adams Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Nicole Boden Director, Community Relations: organizes and implements all Mystics related community events and involvement.
Ketsia Colimon VP, Communications:
David Deal Sr. Director, Business Development: oversees the development, management and growth of Mystics basketball camps & clinics.
Maria Giovannetti Manager, Group Sales: oversees all group ticket sales initiatives; generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Crystal Hudson Manager, Game Operations & New Media: creates and manages the overall game day experience; oversees the maintenance of WashingtonMystics.com.
Rebecca Hunt Manager, Marketing: oversees all branding, advertising and social media campaigns.
Rob Hur Director, Corporate Partnerships: establishes and maintains key partnerships with corporate sponsors.
Chuck Kacsur Graphic Designer: creates and designs all branding.
Lauren Lafayette Manager, Ticket Operations: oversees all individual, group and season ticket operations.
Heather Locke Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Cassaundra Lockett Equipment Manager: orders, manages and maintains all team equipment, uniforms, supplies, etc.
LaRhonda Lombardi Coordinator, Corporate Partnerships: conducts research for potential sponsors; assists with all ticket operations.
Erin Mitchell Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Sarah Novak Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Kim Peters Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Mike Ragan VP, Ticket Sales & Service: oversees all ticket and guest services initiatives.
Veronica Sander Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Eboni Tyler Manager, Guest Services: manages and implements all customer service initiatives.
Megan Vlasho Receptionist: assists with all administrative duties.
Chris Waldmann Account Executive: generates season ticket & group sales revenue by building and maintaining customer relationships.
Monday, July 26th - Chris Waldmann checks in. [permalink]
Hello again my faithful Mystics followers,
We’ve had a more than eventful time here in MysticsWorld since I last blogged here. The team has been right at the top of Eastern Conference standings all season fighting hard for a playoff seed in the tougher than tough East. Meanwhile the current last place team in the East would be the #2 seed out West. That shows just how large the disparity between the two conferences is right now.
A couple of weeks ago we had a very successful season ticket holder party at Lucky Strike right next to the Verizon Center. Based on all the feedback I heard from my season ticket holders the party was a fun time for everyone there! Unfortunately I didn’t get to show off my supreme bowling talents (not really but I did take bowling as a college course!) but we’ll have time for that another day I’m sure!
We lost a tough game to Indiana this past Saturday night, but the team showed a lot of resolve in fighting back and almost stealing the victory in the last minute of the game. My parents were actually in town, stopping for the night on their way to Florida, and they were able to take in their first Mystics game. Needless to say they loved the whole experience and are already planning on coming back for a playoff game if it coincides with their travels back north to Connecticut.
Well that’s about all the time I have for now. Our next home game is Thursday as we welcome the Silver Stars to Verizon Center for the one and only time this season. Be sure to come out and welcome them too before we send them back to Texas with another L in their loss column!
Until next time,
Go Mystics!
Friday, July 9th - Corporate Partnerships intern, Lindsey Miller, compares Michigan fans and Mystics fans. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans!
My name is Lindsey Miller and I'm a corporate partnerships intern here with the Mystics. I am originally from the DC area, so I've grown up watching all of our hometown teams, which makes me even more excited to be a part of this organization.
I've been immersed in sports culture since elementary school, playing soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball, and idolizing Michigan Football. I decided I wanted to go to Michigan after my dad took me to Ann Arbor for a football game in 7th grade and I'm so happy to be a student there now. My favorite time of year is football season, and although few things compare to being among 110,000 people in maize and blue, I've found that Mystics games have a lot of similarities. Instead of braving the Michigan cold to sit outside for a few hours, Mystics fans brave the DC traffic, and instead of having themes like Southern Tailgate, the Mystics have Barkin' and Ballin' day (which I'm really excited for, by the way).
But both have a mix of diehard fans, season ticket holders, people that come to games whenever they can, and people at their very first game. The energy and excitement are similar, and fans will cheer on their team until the end of the 4th quarter no matter what.
Unlike the past few seasons of Michigan football, the Mystics are actually having a great season, at 12-5 so far. The Mystics won't be back to play at home for another week and half but I'm counting down the days and I hope you are too. Until then, Go Mystics!
Thursday, July 8th - Ohio native and Cavs Fan Courtney Eiland pleads her case to King James. [permalink]
Hey everyone!!
I am so proud of our team for putting up one of their best starts at 12-5 so far this season. Very impressive! After a lot of back to back games in the last two weeks, it’s nice for the team (and staff!) to rest for a little bit and reset for the second half of the season after the WNBA All-Star break this weekend. Hopefully the second half will be just as great as the first!
Now, much like my first blog in May, the million dollar question remains: Where does LeBron James’ future lie? Cleveland or Chicago? New York or New Jersey? Los Angeles or Miami? Now that free agency talks have officially begun and LeBron has been courted by the most teams, (mind you, LeBron didn’t even leave Ohio, all his suitors came to him), I believe our main competition is Chicago and the “idea” of LeBron following the same path as the legendary Michael Jordan that he’s been compared to the majority of his basketball career. LeBron already decided during the season that he was going to change his jersey number from 23 to 6 out of respect for Jordan. Could that have been the first clue that LeBron was planning on jumping ship, or am I just paranoid? With Byron Scott added on as new head coach, could that possibly entice LeBron to give Cleveland another shot? I know, I know, so many questions and only LeBron holds the answer and hasn’t uttered a single word of his plans.
I don’t have a heartfelt plea, a fancy YouTube song, or any other kind of creative approach to get LeBron to stay in Cleveland, but home is where the heart is. So, please stay LeBron…we really need you.
Courtney
Wednesday, July 7th - Nicole Palladino talks about her experience as a CR intern. [permalink]
Hi Mystics Fans!
My name is Nicole Palladino and I am a senior at the University of Florida. Interning in the community relations department, I have had a great experience so far with the Mystics! I grew up in a smaller beach town so working in Washington DC has definitely been an eye opener for me. I love it here, and oddly enough, I actually think it’s really cool that I get to ride the metro to work everyday. As far as work everyday, I have had the opportunity to see and help so many non-profit organizations that are making a difference in this city. I’ve learned that the community relations department is a whole different aspect of the sports business that I had yet to be a part of until now. Back at Florida, I worked in the communications office with football and volleyball. Although I loved that, I think I found my niche here.
Anyways, we have a bit of a break this week in the office without any games. I’m looking forward to working on my intern social media project; we are updating the hoopsnheels.com website so be on the lookout for some upcoming changes! Also, I’m really excited that it’s finally July!!! My favorite month of the year! I actually just got a flip cam to document everything; I have a very busy schedule with a trip home last week, Virginia Beach this weekend, friends visiting DC, my 21st birthday at the end of the month, and of course all five Mystics home games this month!
Alright well I hope to see everyone back out at the games starting July 18th!
Nicole
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Tuesday, July 6th - Ketsia Colimon checks in. [permalink]
Hey Mystics fans,
Our team is 12-5 and I couldn’t be happier for our players and organization. I know that they will all enjoy the all star break. They deserve it. I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the 4th of July holiday. I visited with friends and family and on my way back to the DC area; two very young men in uniforms were on my flight. As we were standing in line waiting to board, a lady made a point to go to them and thank them for their service and one replied “my pleasure” and I honestly thought that it was the most moving moment I had ever seen. As he was saying so, his family was standing not too far, looking at him with a mixture of pride and sadness. What a sacrifice!
Sam Update
Here is Sam reading his book and being a good boy. It doesn’t happen often so we had to take a picture
See you all on July 18; feel free to bring your dogs for our annual Barkin and Ballin game. Go to washingtonmystics.com for more information.
Ketsia
Thursday, July 1st - Dave Deal is excited about the red hot Mystics. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Fans!
Welcome to July! What an exciting time for the Mystics! The team is red-hot, winning six of our last seven, and boasting a 10-5 record, good for second best in franchise history at the 15-game mark. As an organization, Monumental Sports & Entertainment was formed and now includes 100% ownership of the Mystics, Capitals, Wizards, the Verizon Center, and Baltimore/Washington TicketMaster. And the icing on the cake … the inaugural season of the Mystics Summer Camp program tipped off on June 21!!!
We are now in the second of 10 weeks for the camp program and gaining momentum each week. I want to give a big shout-out to the program’s title partner, Inova Health Systems, who not only have provided some great giveaways for the campers with a water bottle and sports towel, but have been a pleasure to work with throughout and are as equally excited as we are about the camp program, the foundation built, and more importantly the direction we’re headed. Inova staff members will be on-site periodically, please stop by to say hello and offer thanks for their continued support.
Another shout out to the camp coaches, especially Director Christy Winters Scott and Jill Glessner. Both have worked the duration of the first two camps and have been fantastic. I salute both of you and thank you for your hard work and dedication. Members of the current Mystics roster have also participated in the program, conducting skills stations, offering one-on-one instruction, and sitting down with the campers for a Q&A and will continue to do so throughout the summer. If you’re a young basketball player or know one (relative, sibling, neighbor, etc.), I don’t know what you’re waiting for – you’re not going to find a better opportunity to learn from first-class professional athletes. Some classes are closing in on the capacity limit, check out the camp schedule here and register today!
Until next time, I look forward to seeing you at camp this summer!
Dave
Wednesday, June 30th - Crystal Hudson offers answers. [permalink]
Wow, what a win last night!! 10-5 is the best record I’ve seen (fifteen games into the season) in the three and a half years I’ve been with the Mystics, and I’m excited to see us continue this streak. Winning – particularly at home – is always fun, and I’m glad our fans have been able to enjoy seven of our eight home wins here at Verizon Center!
As we enter a long break before our next home game on July 18th, I've decided to provide a few of the most popular questions/complaints I receive from fans (regarding their in-game experience), with the hopes that fans who may not voice their complaint(s) or those why may not know where to direct their questions, can find an answer here. In no particular order, here are the Top 5 Questions/Complaints Received by Game Operations Staff...
1. How can I participate in a contest on the court?
Contestants are generally chosen before the game starts (when doors open), and we always try to look for fans wearing their Mystics gear. So make sure you arrive early and show your Mystics pride!
2. Why do the Mayhem only perform facing one side of the arena?
The mid-court camera is located in Section 215, so all performances always face the north side of the building so we can record them on camera.
3. Why doesn't the 200 Level ever get any love?
GeNienne, the Blue Crew and our mascots always make their best effort to get up to the 200 Level when timing allows. If there is an on-court promotion, it becomes more difficult to reach the 200 Level with enough time to get back downstairs on the court.
4. Why do the winners of the D.C. Lottery Dance Cam have to be 18 and older?
Only people age 18 and over are eligible to play the lottery, which dictates who can receive a prize from D.C. Lottery.
5. The audio volume throughout the arena is too loud.
Often times, many adjustments have to be made in order to achieve the most desirable audio levels; and we try our best to reach those levels at every game.
While none of us can please "all of the people, all of the time," I certainly hope that most of our fans are having an enjoyable experience most of the time. So if you ever have any questions or would like to make a suggestion about how we can improve your in-game experience, please send me an email at chudson@washmystics.com.
I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday weekend!!
Until next time,
Crystal
Tuesday, June 29th - Angela Taylor is back. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans,
It has been quite awhile since I last posted a Pass the Ball blog, so there is so much that I would love to share with you. However, in the interest of time, I will not bore you with too many recaps!! I tend to get a little long-winded with my blogs, but I am going to resist the urge to write a novel today!
I hope you all are enjoying your summer and (as our play-by-play announcer Frank Hanrahan would say) this “soupy” weather. I must admit that the DC weather spoiled me last year (my first full year in the DMV) when we had a mild winter and really didn’t experience too much humidity until August. Now I know what everyone was talking about when the forewarned me about the hot DC summers. I guess that’s another reason why DC hoops fans should venture down to the air-conditioned Verizon Center for the rest of our home games this summer.
Last week was a very exciting week for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. It was a week in which we saw Crystal Langhorne play the best basketball of her career to date. She strung three AMAZING games together in a matter of four days & was rightfully recognized with her first (of many) Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards. While we focus on our collective team goals (One Goal. Together), it is certainly special when a member of your team or organization is recognized for the great things they are doing. Lang is quietly having a phenomenal season & is someone that deserves the recognition.
The week also saw Lindsey Harding become the first member of the Class of 2007 to record her 1,000th point while Katie Smith also recorded her 1,000th assist. Both were “monumental” milestones in their careers.
Looks like Lindsey will be joined in DC & the Verizon Center by another talented point guard as the Wizards generated a lot of excitement in the DMV by drafting John Wall with their #1 pick in the NBA Draft. In fact, I think in the next 2-3 years, we may just be able to boast about having a couple of the best point guards in the WNBA & NBA playing in DC!
I thought it was so awesome when they cut to the video where David Stern announced the Wizards pick in arena during our Los Angeles game. The fans simply went wild. It was so exciting. That was followed by a really cool video of our owners, staff, Mystics players, Caps players, and Nats players (among others) welcoming John Wall to DC & doing the Wall Dance. I have a feeling, that dance is going to take over the DMV! I’m going to have to work on my moves I guess.
During the last week or so of games, we have been joined by Carme Lluveras the General Manager from the Ros Cesares team in Valencia, Spain. Over the last few years, she has had a tremendous team that has won the Spanish Championship & competed in the EuroLeague Final Four frequently. Carme has come over to DC the last couple of years to learn more about the game by watching our coaching staff teach in practice. She & her husband have again enjoyed their stay in DC. It’s been wonderful having her around because she brings so much positive energy. That’s what is great about sports. Sport truly does bring people from different worlds together. If you see her at tonight’s game against Indiana, make sure you stop by to say hello, as this will be her last game with us this season.
Speaking of tonight’s game….for so many reasons, this is a really big game for us. First, it is always exciting to play on national television in front of WNBA & basketball fans around the country. Secondly, we are playing a very talented Indiana team that is playing great basketball right now. After beating them in their home opener in May, we know that they are prepared to come into the Verizon Center & compete, so it will be an intense battle against two teams that have a lot of similarities. For us, this game will be a great measuring stick to see where we are as we wrap up the first half of the WNBA season. Indiana gave us fits in 2009 and in order for us to win the 2010 Eastern Conference Championship….all roads lead through Indianapolis!
So for those of you who are looking for something to do on a Tuesday night in DC, bring your friends & family members down to the Verizon Center tonight to cheer us on to victory. We need you all! Let’s show everyone that we truly do have the best fans in the WNBA! Let’s pack the house for this nationally televised game.
If, for some reason, you aren’t able to come to the Verizon Center to watch the game, tune in to ESPN2 at 7:00pm for tonight’s game. The WNBA will be announcing the players who were voted in to the Stars at the Sun All-Star Game. I know that I am extremely biased, but I think the Monique Currie, Lindsey Harding, and Crystal Langhorne deserve to represent the Mystics (and the ACC) in that game. All three have been integral to our early success and are deserving of the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts & hard work. We shall see if fans around the league feel the same way tonight.
Well Mystics fans, thanks for all of your support so far this season, you all have been fantastic!!
Hope to see everyone tonight. Cheer loud. Cheer often!
Go Mystics,
Angela
Monday, June 28th - Smita Lathigra introduces herself to the Mystics fans. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans!
My name is Smita Lathigra and I am a senior at The University of Maryland and am majoring in business management and marketing major. I work with three other interns, Adrien, Vencent and Katherine in the Game Operations Department.
Before being luck enough to intern in the game ops department at the Washington Mystics, I was simply living a quiet life in Germantown, Maryland. Being a native to the area is always nice and I have thoroughly enjoyed living and working in the city. Having watched basketball occasionally with my dad while growing up, it’s definitely an eye opening experience to be behind the scenes at the games. Seeing the dedication of the players and the teamwork makes this experience worthwhile.
I hope you’re all excited for our last home game of June tomorrow on the 29th against the Indiana Fever and we’ll see you all there!
Smita
Ps: It’s my birthday!
Friday, June 25th - Bryce Adams explains the joys of working for the Mystics. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Friends & Fans!
I’m back for the first time. My name is Bryce Adams and I’m the newest Account Executive for your Washington Mystics (when I wrote that in my head I used my cool in-game announcer voice- more on that later).
I started with the Mystics on Monday May 17th so needless to say coming on in season and the week of our home opener was exciting and a challenge and hectic and many other adjectives that describe new jobs.
It’s hard to describe how much I’m enjoying myself as a member of the Mystics front office but I’ll do my best in the following run on sentence. Take the coolest group of people you’ve ever met add a winning team then add being surrounded by the one thing you love most in life (for me basketball has a slight edge over McDonalds & Twitter) then add waking up everyday excited to go into the office then multiply by fun to the tenth power and that equals me everyday. .
As most of you know a few weeks ago Lincoln Holdings was become Monumental Sports & Entertainment and we now own the Mystics, Wizards, Capitals, Verizon Center, Ticket Master, The Kettler Capitals Iceplex and a majority percentage in all things awesome.
I counted and since I started my job on May 17th I’ve worked 33 of a possible 38 days but you know what they say about time flying when you’re having fun. One of the things I love best is getting the chance to do the play by play for AAU games we hold on the main floor at Verizon Center before and after Mystics games. I’ve put management on alert that if Frank Hanrahan is ever sick I’m available to be the emergency announcer.
That’s basically it for my first ever Mystics blog post. I can’t wait for an exciting finish to this season and the playoffs in August (crosses fingers).
Till next time I look forward to seeing you at Verizon Center.
Bryce
Thursday, June 24th - Angie Allison introduces herself to the Mystics fans. [permalink]
Hi Mystics fans!
My name is Angie Allison, but you might recognize me better by my work. I have been doing New Media for the Mystics since October 2009, and I produced all the videos on the website's multimedia page from this past off-season. Some of my features play on the Jumbotron during home games and on Comcast SportsNet, if you're watching on TV. Now that the 2010 season is underway, my main project is the weekly Inside Access show, but I still shoot and edit video for WashingtonMystics.com everyday.
I took somewhat of a non-traditional route to get to the Mystics. I was finishing up my Senior year as a film student at The Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, VA last year. 99% of the students I went to school with had aspirations of becoming major Hollywood directors and editors, and there were even a few actors in the bunch. But over the course of my education at AiW, my list of career goals began to read more like a process of elimination; directing feature films was not for me, nor did I want to spend my life trapped in a cutting room editing. As I approached my December '09 graduation, I didn't know what I wanted to do with a Bachelor's degree in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. It wasn't until I took a class in Multi-Camera Production that I discovered my passion truly lay in live television. This class exposed me to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of live TV, and it taught me how to produce video segments and run a control room. That was when I first set my sights on live sporting events.
Just like all of you (I hope!), I've always thought sports were tremendously fun to play and watch, but I was not an avid basketball fan. I sprouted to a height of 6'0" in middle school and played a few seasons of basketball along the way, but my interests ventured into other activities as I grew older, so I did not play ball in high school or college. However, when I learned that the Mystics were looking for a New Media intern, I dropped everything and spent the next few days researching the team and the WNBA. Working for the Mystics would be the ideal internship for me because it combined my background in video production, my love of sports, and my desire to work in live television.
Imagine my excitement when I got the internship, completed it, and was invited to stay onboard for the 2010 season. Here I am, 23 years old, directly out of college, and I've already landed my dream job. I have the unique opportunity to document the daily happenings of the Mystics players and staff, and in doing so, I have discovered a group of wonderfully talented, fun, driven, and inspirational men and women. My personal philosophy is that life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it, and being part of the Mystics organization -- whether you are working in the office, playing on the court, or cheering in the stands -- is certainly a great place to be. I hope you all enjoy watching Mystics TV as much as I enjoy producing the videos!
Angie Allison
Wednesday, June 23rd - Nicole Boden talks about her Father's Day weekend. [permalink]
Hello Mystics fans!!
It’s my turn again to check in… A lot has been going on in the Community Relations world since the season started. Our players are spending a ton of time out in the community. We have been all over DC, Maryland and Virginia at schools, hospitals, golf tournaments, community centers, camps, etc. It’s been great because our team is really upbeat and likes to be out in the community doing appearances.
This past weekend was Fathers Day and I had a great time with my dad. My dad truly is my best friend and even though I spend a lot of time with him it was great to just thank him on Father’s Day for everything that he does for me. I don’t know that I could find a bigger cheerleader then my dad. No matter what I do my dad is there to support me and he gives me the best advice and listens to me laugh, cry, and complain, every single day. I’m sure some of you have seen my dad at Mystics games. He sits in the front row and likes to say hi to everyone. So if you see him, stop by and say hello. I’m sure he’ll talk to you and give you his opinion on how the team is doing.
That’s it for now. What a great start to our season. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes!
Until next time,
Nicole Boden
Monday, June 21st - Chris Waldmann enjoyed a great sporting week. [permalink]
Guess Who’s Back?
Hello once again Mystics Faithful!
I hope that everyone enjoyed the sunny, if not overwhelmingly hot, weekend; and that all the dads out there had a great Father’s Day as well! We had a good weekend here in Mysticsland as we pulled out a hard fought overtime win against Eastern Conference foe Chicago on Saturday night. For those of you who were there you know that it wasn’t the prettiest game to watch as both teams struggled to find rhythm on offense, but in the end we got the win and that’s what counts!
On a personal sports note, I enjoyed a great week from two of my favorite teams. First, I watched as my Los Angeles Lakers won their second consecutive NBA title and 16th overall. Game 7 was a tough one to watch, but very exciting as both teams really left it all on the court. It was nice to see the team win it on their home court as well, and Ron Artest gave one of the greatest post game interviews ever. (Not really but it was entertaining!) Also, jumping over to the world of baseball, the Red Sox continued their ascent to the top of the division with an 8-1 home stand and a current 6 game winning streak. The Sox even welcomed Manny back to Fenway with a three game sweep of the former division leading Dodgers. There’s still a long way to go in the season, but it’s nice to see the team just a game out of first rather than 6 or 7 games out and in fourth place like they were a month ago! One final Red Sox note: Please continue to tell David Ortiz he’s done and can’t play anymore, he seems to need that as motivation, but it sure is working!
Well that’s about all for me right now. Another busy week awaits as we host LA on Thursday, travel to Chicago on Friday, and then come back home to host Phoenix and Indiana on Sunday and Tuesday. This is your last chance to see us for a while as we won’t have another home game until July 18th after next Tuesday. So if you’re not already calling for tickets pick up the phone now, the fan’s support helps keep this team going!
Until next time,
Go Mystics 2010
One Goal. Together.
Chris
Friday, June 18th - Rebecca Hunt introduces Fred. [permalink]
Hi Mystics fans!
Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week and you are looking forward to the weekend.
I am personally very excited about this weekend. Saturday, beginning at 3pm we will be hosting a balloting party in Suite 124. Help us send our Stars to the Sun on July 10th! You just need to come to the admin entrance (7th & G) and you will be escorted to the suite. The suite will remain open throughout the Mystics game so please stop by, bring a friend! If you fill out a minimum of 50 ballots you will receive a t-shirt, sizes and quantity are limited so get there early if you want to get a t-shirt!
In addition to the balloting party I am also excited about the game because it is Dads & Daughters Night. I will be thinking about my dad and look forward to meeting up with him on Sunday for Father’s Day.
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Fred is funny, he is not a big phone talker so when I left for college we set-up a system to talk on the phone once a week, we talk on Fridays and have spoken almost every single Friday for the past 9 years. I joke with him because some conversations last 3 minutes and 24 seconds and others may last 19 minutes. We always look forward to these conversations even if it’s just a couple minutes of recapping our weeks before we both head into meetings. Thank you for allowing me to share some good memories of my dad. I have attached a picture of us, he is teaching me to two-step!
I believe that one of the reasons that sports are so important to me is that sports is something we have always been able to do together, from the endless backyard baseball games, skiing lessons, coaching my rec league teams, attending all my games, staying up late watching superbowls, bowl games, Olympics he has always been there. When I started my job with the Mystics I was so excited that I would be working in an industry and with an organization that he could understand, follow and be a part of. Speaking of following, he just got the WNBA app on his phone so he keeps me updated on the team standings etc!
I hope yall are all keeping up with the Mystics too! We are off to a good start!
Thursday, June 17th - Corporate Partnerships Intern Kerri Confrey talks about her experience with the Mystics. [permalink]
Hey Mystic Fans!!
My name is Kerri Confrey and I’m a senior business management major at Catholic University. This summer I was offered the opportunity to stay here in our nation’s capital and intern with LaRhonda, Veronica, and the Washington Mystics! I am currently one of three interns within the organization’s corporate sponsorship department, alongside Blake and Lindsey.
Let me tell you a little bit of my background before joining the Washington Mystics. I was born and raised in Rockland Country, New York. I moved to DC three years ago as a freshman in college and have fallen in love with the city. As part of the basketball team at Catholic, it is great to see both the differences and similarities of playing and being behind the scenes…I love both aspects. The intensity on the court truly matches the hard work and dedication that I have witnessed here within the Mystics front office.
I hope all you Mystics fans are as pumped about our victory against the Liberty as I am. I’m excited to take on Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky at the Verizon Center this Saturday @7:00pm!
Also, mark your calendars for June 27th @ 4:00pm when Cisco Systems will be our presenting partner for Military Appreciation Day!
Kerri
Wednesday, June 16th - Mike Ragan talks Military Appreciation Day and Barkin' & Ballin'. [permalink]
Hey Mystics fans---what a great time of year. Season is in full swing and the team is playing really well...It's been fun to see the team start to gel together... I know Coach Plank will get them to where we want to go! A lot of good things on the horizon in terms of theme events. We have the game on the 24th vs LA which will feature Candace Parker and is always a fun game to be at, after that the league champs Phoenix come to town which will feature our Military Appreciation Day....if you havent heard, we are taking donations for tickets to give to military families so if you haven't already and want to help the cause, please contact Maria Giovannetti at 202-527-7512. After a long break we will come back on July 18th with our Barkin and Ballin event...yes fans, we are inviting our canine friends to enjoy the action!! However, dont worry if you are coming to the game and aren't a fan our our furry loved ones, this event will happen on the 400 level...so contact Veronica Sander at 202-527-7513 and get on board!!
On the homefront, I am very excited to be celebrating my five year wedding anniversary with Jennifer. Thanks to Rob Hur, we got a very nice room at the W Hotel downtown this weekend ( cause I want to be here Saturday for our game!!) for a great rate as well as some great reservations at their restaurant and sky lounge...a big thank you to Rob, and Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife....and finally Matthew continues to grow right before my eyes, the time is just flying and I need to spend more of it with him..what a great kid..I am so blessed.
Look forward to seeing everyone at the games, until then, Go Mystics!!!
Mike
Monday, June 14th - Sheila Robinson looks back on the 2010 Girl Scouts Sleepover. [permalink]
Hello Mystics Fans, I am back!
Last weekend-Saturday June 5, it was the Girl Scout sleepover after the Mystics game. Immediately following the game we had to get ready for the 300+ girl scouts to sleepover on the 2nd level of the building. Snack bags were handed out, they watched a movie, then they made their way to the 2nd floor. Everyone scouted out just the right spot to sleep in. Once we got the girls settled for the night, my co-workers and I gathered in the conference room (after midnight) to play a friendly game of UNO. It took a minute for me to remember how to play, but once it all came back it was a lot of fun. By this time we all had been up and running at least 12 hrs, so some of us were starting to show signs of delirium. Let me tell you it is a little hard to concentrate when you are so sleepy you don’t know what cards to play or what you are saying. I think my buddy Crystal Hudson was more sleep deprived than all of us because she was a hoot! Thank you Crystal for the laughs.
Finally, we went to sleep (about 2am); only to get up at 5am. We had to get the continental breakfast set up and ready for 6:00 am. While some of us were getting the water coolers and moving tables, Erin, Veronica, Rebecca & Sarah, were on muffin/croissant duty. They did a great job in the presentation of the muffins and croissants; it looked as if a professional catering company had come in, I was proud!
5:55-6:00 am, we began to wake up the hungry girls! We had to have them fed and out of the building by 7am..It was a slow start, but it picked up and we got them on their way. I would say about 7:15ish we cleaned up, and gathered in the kitchen for a quick bite, a few laughs and then we went home. Maria, as always, great event and I am sure next year’s will be just as grand!
By the time I got home, it was 9:30am, I would have been home sooner, but I fell asleep and missed my stop, which was the last stop on the yellow line; I had to call the train operator to let her know I was still on the train. Luckily the first stop was my stop. How tired was I? I had a great time and would do it again.
Take care,
Sheila Robinson signing off
Friday, June 11th - Sarah Novak talks about her new home. [permalink]
A lot has changed since that last time that I got to write for the Pass the Ball Blog. I have recently moved to one of my favorite parts of the DMV area: Old Town! I love the cobblestone sidewalks and the boutiques and the walks everywhere. Living alone is something that I have always done however I have not done so since moving to DC. This was a long time overdue move. I love the apartment smelling and looking the way that I it is! Such a great feeling to come home after a long day and just have quiet.
This season is flying by. Last Saturday was our 2nd annual Girl Scout Sleep over. It was a great time for both the staff and also the girl scouts that were treated to a movie. They also has a chance to sleep on the second floor of the Verizon Center. Not to mention they got continental breakfast served to them by staffers that also slept at the Verizon Center. Another event down only about 57 more to go~ My next event is Princess Party!! June 27, 2010 is Princess Party in the Dewar’s Club. Treat your Princess to an afternoon of Princess Fun and also a Mystics game. Tickets for Princesses are only $20.00! Email me for more information at snovak@washmsytics.com.
Sarah
Thursday, June 10th - Hillen Grason talks about interning with the Community Relations Department. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans,
My name is Hillen Grason and I am an intern for Nicole Boden in the Mystics’ Community Relations Department. I have spent my last four years in State College, PA at Penn State University. Having been born and raised in the DC Metro area, it is great to finally be home. Having played basketball my entire life up until college, it is amazing to be able to stay close to the game working for the Mystics.
Being able to see everything that goes on in the front office of a professional basketball team is amazing. I am fortunate to be working in Community Relations, as we get to interact with a lot of non-profit organizations in the area. I also get the opportunity to accompany some of our players when they go out and give back to the local community. Last week a few of the players attended a Go Green event at Barnard Elementary School. The players assisted about 20 students in planting vegetables in raised garden beds in front of the school. The response the players received was incredible, and it is even more incredible the impact The Mystics have on the DC Metro area.
In addition to helping reach out to the local community, my co-intern Nicole and I help reward those in the area that give back to their own communities. We help find recipients for our Community Champion Award. Recently we have come across two stories of young boys who have faced a lot of adversity in trying to overcome rare medical conditions. The efforts these boys put forth in spreading awareness for their respective causes are incredible. I would encourage all who read this to check out Justin Friedlander’s and Trevor Blake’s stories. Even if you cannot help their causes, it will have helped them raise awareness.
I look forward to meeting more of our great fans here in DC soon.
Hillen
Wednesday, June 9th - Rob Hur talks about the hard work of the sponsorship department. [permalink]
Hey Mystics fans!! So glad to be back in touch, as the last time you heard from me we were in the stretch run to the preseason. Well that’s long since disappeared and I’m now officially initiated into my first Mystics season. Now that it’s underway and we can honestly evaluate our early season performance, I’m so pleased with the dedication and excellence we’re showing both on and off the court. For you, the fans, it’s mostly about wins and losses...and at 4-4, we’re off to a solid start, particularly in light of the injury challenges we’ve endured. For our business partners, it’s about meeting and exceeding the goals and objectives that ultimately define their success as a member of the Mystics’ sponsorship family.
To that end and not unlike our tremendous athletes on the court we strive to get better each and every game. Like them, our version of a championship also requires hard work, dedication, talent and a commitment to success. It revolves around each and every corporate partner knowing we met and exceeded their expectations when looking back on the season. For those who have supported our team, be it in business or as a fan, those same principles apply. When we have successfully achieved that objective, we have fortified the foundation for long term, sustainable growth and success both on and off the court. To me, that’s a winning recipe whether you’re talking sports, business or life general.
Along the way, we will undoubtedly experience our share of adversity and our own version of an “off night”...in business, as in sports, it happens. But I couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and excellence the organization, and my department puts forth as we work toward our version of a championship season. Hopefully later this summer our outstanding players, coaches and front office will hoist a trophy in celebration of greatness. Rest assured, we’ll be working equally hard for those corporate partners so meaningful to the health and vitality of our franchise and the overall Mystics experience.
Until next time, go Mystics, go team!! Thanks for your support.
Monday, June 7th - Eboni Tyler is excited about Sex and the City 2. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans,
It is SUMMER! Sex and the City 2 is in Theaters! Let me say it again, SEX AND THE CITY 2 is in Theaters! Yes my fabulous foursome is back! Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon). It was great to see the friendship, love and the fashion that those ladies bring to the big screen. I HEART THEM… I know some of my colleagues didn’t like the movie that much, they preferred the first one. I loved it. And I will be seeing it again soon. Lol!
It feels great being back at the Verizon Center’s Guest Services booth located behind section 102. I get to see all of the fans that come in the building to see the Mystics get a WIN. I believe that this season is going to be a very special one. My colleagues and I have been working hard to make your Mystics experience a memorable one. Last season showed that we have improved on a lot of the areas that a lot of you said that we were lacking. We are handling our business at home in Verizon Center. It’s all because of you the fans that bring the energy that keeps our team bringing in wins at home. I am telling you that last season was awesome so you know that this season is looking to be BIGGER and BETTER. Our slogan this season is One Goal. Together! If you have seen our new jumbotron video it really shows that without all these pieces - the fans, front office staff, GM, Coaches and players - there would be no Mystics. With your help, we can do anything together. You the Mystics fans are a major piece of our puzzle. With that in mind there are still some of you that are still not season ticket holders. We are still offering great ways to lock in for this 2010 season. This is the time when the best of the best of women's basketball athletes strut their stuff as they compete through the hazy days of summer. I look forward to seeing you at the phone booth.
Remember… One Goal Together!
Eboni
Friday, June 4th - Nicole Jones talks about her new duties and gives a quick update on wedding plans. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans!!
I hope all is well with you and you are enjoying the 2010 season so far. Time certainly has flown by and I’m still trying to come to grasps that it’s June! Several of my season ticket holders have been letting me know that they’ve missed seeing me around during the games. As you may recall, I too had ankle surgery after a bad break. I had the same AirCast as Alana actually, but not the fancy scooter. Anyways, as a result, I’m confined to sneakers (especially on game days) and limited to how much walking around I can actually do before my ankle and leg start to swell up. I’ve also taken on some different responsibilities during the games. I can be found at a Planholder Window in the Box Office during the first half and Guest Services during the third quarter. Halftime and fourth quarter locations vary. So stop by and say hi sometime. I’d be glad to see you!
On a more personal note, wedding plans are coming along nicely. There are a few more details to iron out and then we will be all set. I’ve started to get really excited and I can’t wait for everything to come together on that special date! Special thanks to Kaye Thomas for all of your hard work, coordination and guidance.
Best regards,
Nicole Jones
Thursday, June 3rd - Corporate Sponsorship Intern Blake Sandberg grew up in Indiana with sports, sports, and sometimes more sports. [permalink]
Hey Mystics Fans!
My name is Blake Sandberg and I am a new intern at the Mystics for the summer of 2010. I am one of three interns in the corporate partnerships department of the organization. Let me first tell you how excited I am to be here in the great city of Washington and working for an organization such as the Mystics. It is a little overwhelming moving to the big city from a rural community. I am from northern Indiana and attend Indiana University. I am studying sports marketing and management along with business.
Let me give you a little background on myself. I grew up with sports, sports, and sometimes more sports. Since I was four years old I have played soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, hockey, baseball, and most any other sport you can think of. In high school I played varsity tennis, basketball, and golf. I was an all-state tennis player but my first love was the basketball court. This is why I chose Indiana University instead of a school that I could play tennis at. Indiana has the richest history of basketball of any state and I feel at home when I watch the Hoosiers run out onto the floor. Also while I’m at school I coach a 7th grade basketball team. This past year my team went 20-2 and won the County tournament. This is another career path in sports that I am pursuing.
Enough about me, as you can tell my passion has been sports and that is why I am so excited to be working for the Washington Mystics. So far the staff has been very helpful in my transition and I could not be more grateful. With the things that I have been able to witness so far I can tell you that this is a top notch organization. I was so excited when I got to work my first game last Friday getting to know the ins and outs of the game day tasks that I will be performing during the season. It was also my first WNBA game and I was impressed at the environment in the building.
So I’d like to say that I am honored to be here and look forward to meeting many of the great fans this season. Remember to vote for your favorite Mystics players for the all-star game and check us out on facebook.
Blake
Wednesday, June 2nd - Tassika Rodphotong is enjoying her internship with the Mystics. [permalink]
Greetings Mystics Fans!!
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Right now my co-interns, Jasmine and Cam, and I are working really hard on All Star Balloting. We have been reaching out to alumni clubs that our players have graduated from to help spread the word. On Friday, we received word that GoDuke.com has posted a story about our players and All Star Balloting! My co-interns and I also came up with a slogan that we are going to put on t-shirts for our 10-10 All-Star Balloting Event on June 13th, “I Sent My Stars to The Suns.” I’ve also come up with a design for the t-shirt. Come by the event on the 13th, 10am to 10pm, and you can pick one up!
I do want to leave you all with this quote: “Work hard. Dream big,” (anonymous). This quote has gotten me this far, hopefully it can inspire you all!
Talk to you guys next time……GO MYSTICS!!!
Tuesday, June 1st - Chuck Kacsur talks about the various designs he has created thus far for the Mystics. [permalink]
Mystics season is underway, and summer is unofficially starting this weekend! There has been a lot of activity around the office to put the finishing touches on all the events at our games. For me this means creating collateral advertising our events and making the artwork for all the swag, not to mention a portion of the jumbotron graphics and all the print and web ads you find in the paper and on websites. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the new Mystics Daily; we worked very hard to add more up-to-date and compelling content in an appealing way.
Outside of work, I was able to get back to race shape and managed to run a competitive time in April, but an injury sidelined me a few days later, and I am only now slowly starting to put a few miles in. It was disappointing to work so hard and only get one race in, but hearing the bell ring signaling the last lap again was really special. My alma mater is competing this weekend at the Division II National Track & Field Championships in North Carolina with a record number of athletes for our school, and I truly wish I could be there to show my support.
Chuck
