With the spirit of hard work and fight, I am very excited for the 2009 WNBA season in ATL! Big changes on our team, more experience for everybody and a very good feeling that things are going to be a lot of better this summer. So I really can’t wait for that. And with all of your support, ATL FANS, we are definitely going to have more fun this upcoming season.

Oh hell ya, Izi! That’s what I’m talking about! It’s going to be a great season in Atlanta!

Chamique Holdsclaw Returns to the WNBA

One of the most talented players to come out of Tennessee, Chamique Holdsclaw, has returned to the WNBA. After a 2 year hiatus of playing only in the European league, Atlanta has negotiated her trade from Los Angeles to the Dream franchise in exchange for the 13th pick of the first round in the up coming 2009 WNBA draft.

“Coming back has been something that I have been thinking about for a while,” Holdsclaw said. “The only thing that was holding me back was my body and being healthy. I realized that if I had the chance I would like to play this summer.”

Holdsclaw will bring much needed experience to Atlanta

Holdsclaw is an 8-year veteran bound to bring much needed experience and leadership to our young team. She began her WNBA career in 1999 where she was the overall first round draft pick for the Washington Mystics. While there, she played 6 years for the Mystics and averaged 19 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and was awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year.

In 2005, Holdsclaw was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks where she played 2 seasons and averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

In June 2007, Holdsclaw announced her retirement from the WNBA but continued her basketball career over seas. Most recently she has been playing in Poland averaging17.6 points per game for TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow in Euroleague.

“I’m just happy that Chamique is back in the WNBA,” said Dream General Manager & Head Coach Marynell Meadors. “I just think she really misses the game. I am looking forward to having her. She elevates our team to another level.”

To read more about Atlanta’s acquisition of Chamique Holdsclaw go to the Atlanta Dream website.