ESPN

TJ: Andrews AFB Maryland

How do you believe the Shock were able 2 get out to such a great start and have continued success after everything we have been going thru this season???Go Shock 08 Champs

Katie Smith

  (12:08 PM)

This year we've had injuries and players banged up and also some new faces. I am pleased that we've been able to stay at the top of the league. It's a testament to the players that we have and our coaches.

A.J. (Raleigh, NC)

So what do you think has to happen in order for you and the Detroit Shock to win against the LA Sparks?

Katie Smith

  (12:09 PM)

I think we have to rebound, box out, we have to get back on transition defense, they push the ball and their bigs run well. And if we rebound, we can run on them and get some easy buckets.

Dana (Washington, DC)

Hi Katie,With the Olympics beginning shortly, how do you think playing will affect your game? Will it help in keeping you ready for the second half of the season? or will it tire you out? Thanks and good luck tonight!

Katie Smith

  (12:10 PM)

I don't think its going to tire me out. You have to take care of your body, get your rest while you are practicing and playing. If you take care of yourself, it keeps you tuned in because you're still playing. Then when we come back for the second half of the season, we'll be ready to go.

PETE SACRAMENTO

Hey Katie, love your game! Do you feel any added pressure playing for Coach Laimbeer? He appears intense. Does he intimidate your team? Tell Plenette Pierson that she is an all star.

Katie Smith

  (12:12 PM)

Plenette is worthy of all star status. With Bill, he's intense when it comes to games. He's competitive and wants to win. I'm not intimidated by him, but others could be. He's someone that knows the game, challenges you and wants you to go out and play basketball. He wants you to go out and do your job and play the best basketball that you can. I really appreciate that and I really enjoy playing for him.

Andrew Robertson, Ann Arbor Michigan

With the women's game constantly improving by leaps and bounds, this may be your most difficult Olympic challenge yet. How are you feeling? Is your shooting arm rested? You may need to drive and dish to get the gold. Good luck! Enjoy.

Katie Smith

  (12:13 PM)

I feel rested, I feel like I'm shooting the ball well. We have a lot of capable scorers on this team. Winning the gold will be difficult. There are a handful of teams that can challenge for the gold. We need to go into the Olympics with a sense of urgency every time we step on the court.

TJ: Andrews AFB Michigan

How big of an impact have the rookies and new players made this season???

Katie Smith

  (12:14 PM)

I think Alexis and Humphrey have given us a nice spark. With Alexis playing at Tennessee as a combo guard, she can fit in different ways and do different things. Humphrey is able to spread the floor and shoot the ball. Shay Murphy and Stacey Lovelace have taken their opportunities since they've been here. I like the new additions to the team, they are still adjusting to this team and this league, but they are doing a good job.

Sarah (Ohio)

Hey Katie, Do you feel that you are more of a focal point of the Shock's offense this season? Congrats on a great season so far and Go USA!

Katie Smith

  (12:15 PM)

I don't think I'm a focal point. I think it's been consistent over my three years here in Detroit. There are certain games when you have more opportunities. We have three or four players every night that can put up 20 and I have to be ready to step up and be aggressive. You never know who's night it is going to be so I have to be ready in case its mine.

pato (slovakia)

Who is your favourite NBA player?

Katie Smith

  (12:16 PM)

Kevin Garnett. He plays the game hard on both ends of the floor and makes his teammates better. He plays the whole game, he doesn't take breaks.

Katie4MVP, Ashland Oregon

I have been a big fan of yours for quite some time. You are a true hero to the game, anyways my question is, What do the Shock have to do win a championship this season? Thanks and keep on being yourself.

Katie Smith

  (12:17 PM)

Thanks for the support! I think that we have to become a little bit more consistent and especially doing the little things - rebounding, boxing out, running our offense, the attention to detail - those things will get us to the top again.

Kevin (Saginaw, Michigan)

I am a big supporter for the Shock ever since 2003. Hopefully Detroit can win a third title in the last 6 years. What is the toughest arena to play in in your opinion?

Katie Smith

  (12:18 PM)

I'm going to go with Connecticut because they have great fans, a small arena and a lot of noise. Sacramento as well, they have very passionate fans and sometimes they can be a little rough on you.

TJ: Andrews AFB Maryland

How hard is it to have such a long break during the middle of the season???

Katie Smith

  (12:20 PM)

I don't know if it's tough., I'm on one end of it where I'm still playing and it's a continuation of the season. The players at home, it will be a grind just to have practice everyday and no games to play. On the other hand it can help players get rested and heal from injuries, so there are two sides to it. I don't think it will be difficult.

Carl Woideck, Eugene, Oregon

On paper, some teams look like they have all the talent they need, but never consistently gel. In your experience, what are the most important factors in having a group of talented players and coaches harness their strengths collectively and have a successful season? PS--Thanks for being such an inspiring athlete! When you're on the court, you seem to be all about basketball, not ego.

Katie Smith

  (12:21 PM)

First and foremost you have to have a coach that is up front and honest and tells everyone the expectations. You have to have players that buy into winning games and winning championships and nothing else. Buying into whatever you have to do and not worrying about getting more shots, getting more minutes. The biggest key is being unselfish and doing what is best for the team.

angela (detroit mi)

first off i just wanted to say your the best and i enjoy watching you!!!so what do you do to get prepared for a game?

Katie Smith

  (12:22 PM)

On the day of the game, we have shootaround which is good to loosen up the body. I do the ice bath after that to get everything rejuvenated. I eat, get a nice nap, then head to the arena. About an hour before I go out and get some shots up and just focus in and get in tune and ready to play.

Heather Satterfield: Durham, NC:

Katie, post Olympics when you get back with the Shock, how much would winning the Gold help motivate and push you to go after the WNBA championship? What impact would it have on your team?Take it to the Sparks tonight!!! :)

Katie Smith

  (12:24 PM)

Winning the gold is first and foremost right now. It would mean a bunch because its my last Olympics. To have a combo in one year - a gold medal and a WNBA title - would be great. As I've gotten older, you try to make the most of your opportunities and I feel that we have an opportunity here. I just want to do my part and make sure everyone else knows that these opportunities don't come around often and we need to take advantage of it. To win both, It would be a very special year and something I would remember.

Katie Smith

  (12:25 PM)

Thanks to all of the fans of the WNBA and especially my fans in hostile arenas, you are brave. Go Shock. Keep watching, keep supporting and we'll see you in a nearby arena soon!