July 29, 2007

Former Maryland women's basketball Shay Doron returns to the Washington, D.C., area when the WNBA's N.Y. Liberty travel to play the Washington Mystics on Friday, August 3 at the Verizon Center. Doron has also announced an online charity auction to be held eBay beginning July 31, 2007 at 10 p.m. ET. Proceeds from the auction, which coincides with the Liberty's Breast Health Awareness game at Madison Square Garden, will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Inspired by NC State head coach Kay Yow's fight against breast cancer, as well as all the women who have and will fight the disease, Doron is putting up one-of-a-kind memorabilia for bid, including University of Maryland practice jerseys, autographed hats and basketballs, practice camp t-shirts, as well as her shoes from the 2006 NCAA Championship game. For more information and updates on the auction, please visit http://www.ebay.com/shaydoron4bcrfcure or http://www.shaydoron.net.

Below Doron gives fans an update on what it has been like during her first season in the WNBA.

• So far, how has it been playing in the WNBA?
Doron: It's been quite an expereience, a true dream come true, especially playing for N.Y., a team I grew up watching and loving.

• How does it feel to go from being a veteran/senior with the Terps, to being a rookie in just a matter of months? How have you had to adjust?
Doron: It's been really tough, I have a lot to learn and some great players to help me learn all I need to succeed in the WNBA. I had some great teammates at Maryland, like Vicki Brick, Anesia Smith and Crystal Washington, that helped make my transition to college smooth. In N.Y., I have some great teammates like Barbara Farris, Loree Moore and Ashley Battle that are doing the same for me now.

• What is your favorite part about playing in the WNBA?
Doron: My favorite part is being able to play basketball for a living!! Not worrying about school is a great feeling, as well. :)

• What is your least favorite part about playing in the WNBA?
Doron: I miss Maryland and my teammates so much, so it's been hard to leave them and the great atmosphere we had at Maryland.

• What are the Liberty fans like?
Doron: They have been so great here! They have really been rooting me on, especially since I am a hometown gal.

• Did you go to the WNBA All-Star game? What was that like?
Doron: Yes I went, I did a lot of socializing. I got to see so many people there it was tough to even watch the game!!

• What are you looking forward to most coming back to the Washington, D.C. to play the Mystics?
Doron: Getting to see my Maryland friends and saying hello to all the fans that have supported me for so long.

• What advice would you give young basketball players and future Terps who want to get to the WNBA?
Doron: I would say play for the TEAM and the rest (personal success) will follow! And enjoy it because college is a great time don't be in such a hurry to leave!