Celebrations all over : )

Hey everyone,

Well, it is officially June 1st, 2013 and we just played our first regular season home game v. the Atlanta Dream last night. Just like every other game, I couldn't sleep so I started writing my blog on how I'm feeling, and how amazing last night was.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind (in a good way) between on the court stuff, Catch the Stars Foundation events, community events AND GETTING MY OWN TAMIKA CATCHINGS COURT. We'll have pictures posted up on the catchthestars.org website for you to check out soon. With so many things happening, we have to stay focused on one thing at a time : )

Well, yesterday I found myself trying to figure out a way NOT to be excited LOL. I don't play good when I'm over the top excited so imagine me trying to go about a day without thinking about what it stands for. Whewwwww it was hard!! We had to get to the gym earlier than normal because of all the festivities taking place before the game, but it was all worth it!!

When the buzzer sounded for us to begin the ceremony, my heart was racing super fast. Walking over to the corner and looking out at all of the fans there to support us, I was just so happy that this was FINALLY happening!! I swear when the video started playing and Chris Denari started talking and introducing everyone one at a time, it seemed like everything started playing in slow motion. I remember putting one foot in front of the other, but I swear the tears were right there in the corner of my eye. Looking at Laurel Richie (our WNBA president) with her glossy eyes, I told her "you better not start crying" hahaha. We all know it only takes one person crying to get the party started. The rings are absolutely amazing and seeing the banner raised was something super surreal.

Next up... game time! We started off, but simmered down in the 3rd quarter and just couldn't get it back going. I don't know if it was the energy from the whole night, or just lack of concentration, or what, but we couldn't pull it together. Even the lost can't put a damper on how I feel right now. My family is in town, TSB was back in the house, and we got the ring, ceremony, parade and all in the last week. God is so good!!

Finished the night at California Pizza Kitchen for our Catch the Stars Ring Ceremony party. IT WAS AWESOME!! We limited it to the first 100 people to have more of an intimate setting, and I'm so glad that we did. What an awesome time to meet a lot of our out of town supporters (Fever & CTSF), eat good food, and just be able to show people the ring!! Thanks to everyone who came out and made it an amazing night. I hope that you had as much fun as I did : )

CPK Staff that stayed Over Time to make the celebration a huge success! Thank YOU!

So, I'm still sitting here amazed at my last 24 hours, but thankful that it's behind us now. 2012 has OFFICIALLY been celebrated, and we are moving forward to 2013. Thanks out to each of you for your support, love, encouragement, cheers and your voice to helping in every capacity!! I appreciate you all.

Until next time, "keep on truckin." LOL!! God Bless you all!

DC, Bangkok and Catch the Stars 2013

-->

Hi all,

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog, but with the events in the last 2 weeks, I had to get something down for everyone to have a glimpse in my life. It has been super amazing, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to travel, meet new people and inspire young women and girls through sports around the globe.

It all started with an invite to participate in the White House’s “Women in History” panel and reception in Washington, DC. While waiting at the airport (delayed of course), I ran into Congressman Andre Carson and the Honorable Susan Brooks who invited me over to Capitol Hill… if I had time after the White House LOL. Already a great day!!

Upon arrival to DC, my agent, Shana, and I were whisked up and taken directly to the White House to get ready for the Women’s History month celebration panel. There were 150 high school boys and girls that were selected from a few local high schools to be a part of this event. The actual program and panel was a group of phenomenal women leaders who have and ARE making history. Here they are:

-       Valerie Jarrett- Senior advisor to President Barack Obama. Also, chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls

-       Avra Siegel- Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls

-       Alex Wagner- host of MSNBC’s “NOW with Alex Wagner”

-       Dolores Huerta- Civil Rights, workers and women’s advocate

-       Sarah Jones- Tony Award winning playwright and performer

-       Abbe Raven- Chief Executive Officer and President of A & E Television Networks

-       Suni Williams- Indian American NASA astronaut and a United States Navy Officer

Alex Wagner, Suni Williams, Abbe Raven, Valerie Jarrett, Dolores Huerta and I

Walking into that room and listening to these ladies was very influential and will go a long way in helping me as I continue on my journey. Once the event was over we all ushered over to the actual reception where we were able to take photos with both Mr. and Mrs. President Obama.

After the reception was over, I took up Congressman Carson’s offer to visit Capitol Hill. Shana and I met up with his two interns (from Indy too) and went up to his office for a minute before taking the route to the “floor” so he could get his votes in on different topics. I swear I met just about every congressman/woman that was in there as Congressman Carson ushered them out one by one or in groups to come and meet me. Talk about a special moment- WOW!!!

Honorable Susan Brooks, Congressman Andre Carson and I

We all went and grabbed some food and then it was time to go home. Talk about an adventurous, but great day. Super Amazing!!

The rest of the week was filled with workouts, meetings for my Catch the Stars Foundation and a few events. I started my trek at 10:30a Friday morning with a 1-hour flight from Indy to Chicago. 13 hours from Chicago to Tokyo/Narita. And, arriving in Bangkok 7 hours later at 11:30p on Saturday. Talk about a rough (but so worth it) travel day. I just couldn’t wait to lie straight in a bed LOL.

We had off Sunday so we decided to check out the Sky Train and maneuver our way around the city. We hit up the Chatuchak market and then finished our day with a visit to the mall, a great lunch/dinner and then back to the hotel to rest.

Monday we had a clinic with a few members of the Thai Paralympic Basketball Team at the US Embassy. While the language barrier was there at first, with the help of the translators and the excitement of the players, we were able to get through everything and teach them a little bit about ball. After the clinic, we took showers and then headed back to the Embassy to meet with Ambassador Kristie Kenney and do a quick press conference with the Embassy employees. From there, we met with a few students to talk about our life in America, struggles, and of course basketball. And, last but not least, we had another press conference announcing the beginning of the camp, where we ran into Jelly Bean Bryant who’s over there coaching. And, then we finished the night off with a Dinner cruise on the river. Talk about an eventful, but exciting day- and tiring.

Eb, Ambassador Kristie Kenney and I

Tuesday kicked off the clinic and we did that for the next two days concluding on Thursday. The coaches that were there to help us we’re absolutely AMAZING!! And, just having an opportunity to see the smiles on our young campers faces was worth the trip and so much more. We already knew the impact basketball has had on our lives, but this showed a totally different perspective for why we do what we do. Title IX has been an important aspect of our life here in America, but now our goal is to expand that beyond the borders and reach the WORLD!!

Friday we hosted our last and final clinic for about 20 girls at one of the local orphanages. You could see the questions in their eyes as we tumbled out of the car. But, within the first 10 minutes of the clinic we had them engaged and ready to roll. Gosh, I love this game!!

Well, I just landed back in Indy after another long day of traveling, but it was so worth it. Being able to be a Sports Envoy for the week and my involvement on the Women & Sports Council allowed me this opportunity and so many more ahead of me. I’m thankful that we were able to touch so many lives and I can’t wait til the next time!!

Check out these links for more pictures and videos:

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g5QuaW3PNA&feature=youtu.be

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=5as08Ya4AsI

 - http://catchin24.com/gallery/

- http://catchthestars.org/gallery.php

Until the next time I write… God Bless!! Happy Easter : )

7th annual Catch the Stars Back to School Celebration

This past Saturday, our Catch the Stars Foundation hosted its 7th annual Back to School Celebration at Washington Park in Indianapolis! Over 350 backpacks filled with school supplies were donated to local students  & the event was a HUGE success!!

Here are a few pictures courtesy of Chris Bucher photographs!!

Families get checked in for the Back to School Celebration!!

CTSF Vol coordintor/Emcee extraordinaire Dianne!

We had a great turnout and everyone left with smiles on their faces!!

Now that's a lot of backpacks!!

Special thanks to the Fever Inferno for stopping by to perform & hand out backpacks!

McGruff the Crime Dog & the IPD was on hand to talk to the kids about safety!

Special thanks to the Indianapolis fire department for stopping by!

Kids had a chance to explore IFD Fire trucks! How cool!?

Kids had a blast hanging out with the Chick-Fil-A cow!!

Gotta love those smiles!

This little guy was so excited about his cool, new backpack!

The Chick-Fil-A cow was also on hand to spread some Back to School Cheer!!

 Helping this little guy with his backpack!

Special thanks to so many of you for making our Back to School Celebration such a special event!!

Catch me on Blogger

Hey guys,

Within the past month I've joined Twitter (catch me at @catchin24) and now I'm joining the ranks of bloggers everywhere!! This blog will help me stay in touch with fans & inform you of my whereabouts, upcoming events and more!!

I will be hosting contests, giveaways, the works, so become one of my Followers and stay tuned!!!

Good luck and God Bless!!!


Tamika Catchings

Training, Training & Special Events

Good Morning from Seattle!! It has been a while since I have written a blog, but I'm up super early and I have a lot to talk about : ).

This off season I chose to stay state side and not go overseas. It gave me an opportunity to explore so many different opportunities and for me to focus a little bit on my life after basketball. I got to hang with the First Lady in Des Moines, Iowa as part of her "Let's Move" campaign. Spent Easter with the Prez himself at their Easter party at the White House. Checked out the ESPN campus and went through the "carwash" with interviews and a live spot on TV. And, most importantly, being able to hang out with my fam and workout. So, needless to say, it was an amazing time at home.


Now, onto the next step! Training camp kicked off April 29th and we have been rolling since. We have a few new players, but for the most part things are centered around the core group of players that we have had for a few years. I am super excited about the season and being able to spend time with my teammates.  We've already had two preseason games against the San Antonio Silver Stars and will be looking to kick off the season opener on May 19th v the Atlanta Dream.


A few nights ago we celebrated our 7th Annual Catch the Stars Scholar Athlete Dinner. Each year we have been blessed to give out $2500 in scholarship money to a male and female senior scholar athlete to help them with their collegiate dreams. This year's winners were Joshua Piercey and Ashley McIntyre. Our event has come so far over the years and this was our first one with being able to give out renewable scholarships. So our winners will receive $10,000 provided they stay on path and meet certain CTS criteria to be eligible to win. It has been an amazing journey seeing this program get to this level and of course one day I hope that we will be able to offer full scholarships. But, I know time is of the essence so we will take our time.

Now... Seattle? What am I doing here? This weekend the 12 member USA Team is here for a little pre- Olympic Training session. Last night we had practice and this morning we'll have a shoot around before playing against China tonight. Then tomorrow morning we'll be facing Japan before we hit the flights and head back home. What an exciting time!!

Well, that's it for now. I promise to check in and write at least once a month. Until the next time... Go Fever, Go Team USA and GO CATCH THE STARS!! God Bless!


Tamika Catchings

Welcome!

Happy Holidays to all!! Welcome to my 2nd Official Blog! It has been a few months of steady preparation with the new website, but here we are!! Welcome to the new and improved catchin24.com (and catchthestars.org).

As I said in my last blog, I want to use this site to reach out to my fans and connect with you guys at least once a month on what it is I have going on and what you would like to know more about. Kind of like the inside scoop I s'pose : )

Staying in the Holiday Spirit I have teamed up with St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf to pass out Christmas toys and to join their Christmas party. For more information on the school go to http://sjid.org/. I am so excited about the party and being able to make a difference in the lives of these children.

Next up after that- CHRISTMAS!!! All of my gifts are pretty much ready and my mom is coming in town so I am gooooooood with that. I don't know what I'm going to be cooking, but I'll let you know.

And, after that... Our 11th Annual Youth Holiday Basketball Camp. This is the first year that we have been sold out (whooooooo hhoooooo) and I am looking forward to teaching our youth basketball skills, but even more importantly- life skills!

So, that will end my year and then on to 2012 with more plans for Catch the Stars and myself. I can't wait!! I hope each of you have a Happy Holidays and that you WRITE down your goals for 2012. I've been challenged by my pastor for my top 5 goals so I'm challenging you to do your top 5 as well!!

Until the next time... Best wishes and God Bless!



Tamika Catchings