Attention UConn Huskies women’s basketball fans!!!
Would like you a chance to ask former Husky great Mel Thomas a question and a chance to win her new book “Heart of a Husky”? If so, continue reading on to learn the details.
I was presented with an opportunity to interview Mel about her book from the publisher and immediately said yes I’d love to do it. And after I thought about it, I said why not give her fans a chance to ask some questions. So I presented that to Mel and the publisher and they have kindly agreed to let fans ask questions of Mel about the book.
I was also given a copy of the book, which I already own, so I’ll be giving away a copy of the book as well.
The rules are pretty simple to have a chance to win the book. Ask Mel a question here in the comments below and you will be entered in a drawing to win a copy of “Heart of a Husky”. Please try to ask questions about the book but I’m sure she’ll answer some questions about playing in Ireland and about her dreams of playing in the WNBA as well. One entry per email address. Any questions deemed derogatory in nature by myself will be removed.
We will take the best 10-15 questions and Mel will answer them for you in the coming days. But remember even if you’re question doesn’t get answered, you will still have a chance to win the book.
I have read the book and it’s very well written. It gives you a great glimpse into what it’s like to play for Geno Auriemma and what it’s like to be a star athlete at UConn. She also reflects back on her younger days as well. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed when you read this book. So if you can’t wait for the chance to win the book, you can purchase one through Mel’s website, melthomas.com.
Remember, ask your question about the book below in the comments for a chance to win the book.
A special thanks to Howard Cohen and Mel Thomas for making this possible.
Since everyone might be afraid to ask the first question, I will go ahead and do it.
What made you decide to turn your journal you were keeping into a book?
We all know that Dawn Staley was a great basketball player (well for those who don’t know – she was National Player of the year in High School, 2 time National player of the year in college, 2 time ABL All-Star, 3 time WNBA All Star and 3 time Olympian). What was it like playing for her with the USA basketball team in the Pan Am games and how would you compare her coaching sytle with Geno’s?
How did the relationship you had with your teammates enhance the experience of playing basketball at Uconn?
Are you keeping a journal as your pro career begins?
When you went down with your injury my heart went out to you. Just curious, were you more disappointed that you couldn’t play after the injury or with the fact that the team did not win the National Championship?
Mel, Was writing the book theraputic for you?
Mel, when the team has one of those little mini-huddles on the court before free throws are shot, which player (when you were active) would normally be the one to speak, and what was a typical message for her teammates?
Mel,
I have already read your book and thought it was amazing. As an athletic trainer I am making one of my female atheltes who recently tore her ACL read it. Your such an inspiration to those who battle through injuries.
My question to you is: After being injured you still managed to keep a positive attitude. Is there one person you turned to for help and inspiration?
Mel,
When it comes to playing through an injury, how do you decide whether
a). My team might lose if I don’t play, so I’ll play; or
b). My injury might cause my performance to suffer and hurt my team’s chances, so I won’t play.
Obviously, this does not apply to a major injury such as the one you suffered to your knee, but to other ones.
Mel,
You made reference in the book about the “Boneyard”, the UConn message board. In general, how aware are the players to what is being said about them in the papers and message boards during the season?
Hi Mel,
Congratulations on your book. My questions are a bit more broad as I am currently working on a book as well about the All American Red Heads, a womens basketball team that played 200 games a season from 30s to 80s, only against men and won over 70%, so I have yet to read your book (but intend to)
What do women at your level know about the History of Women’s Basketball and any reflections it has on you as a person and player. You played at the top college in the country before thousands of fans, national media and all. Yet it wasn’t that long ago (at least to me)when not many opportunities existed for girls to even play at a parks and rec level, never mind at a college level where scholarships could be attained.
I enjoyed watching you throughout your career. Many ups, yet many challenges as well that you overcame and pursued on. Much like the history of the game itself.
Also, any specific challenges in doing the book? We are almost done with research but still have a ways to go before draft is done.
Kind regards
John Molina
http://Www.allamericanredheads.com
http://Www.womensbasketballmuseum.com
Kind regards
John Molina
Great questions everybody, keep them coming.
Mel,
My daughter is a teen athlete who, like many, is feeling a bit of pressure to specialize in one sport. In middle school she played four sports. Her frosh year of high school she played three. By her senior year, perhaps even next year, her junior year, she may be just playing one. What other sports did you play? How old were you when you decided to focus on basketball? What advice would you give a female teen athlete who is facing this decision?
(I hope you don’t mind that there are three questions, not one! ;>)
Mel:
I reeally enjoyed your book and I always enjoyed watching you play because you always put your heart into it.
Can you tell us what the coaches say at half time. So often, when the first half has not been played well the second half has so much more energy. What do they say to you all to get your motivation up?
Mel
Would love to have you or another Huskie keep a diary of what goes on during the season and write a book. What a great insight to what goes on. We Love you guys.
Tonyc
Mel,
In my quest for your book to acquire,
I hear you put yourself under fire,
You’ve described your coach, Geno
As a tad schizophrino.
Was he that bad? I’d like to inquire.
Hey Mel, as a student myself I was wondering what it was like to be an athlete at the University of Connecticut. Did you feel like you were on a short leash or just like any other student?
I have closed out the c omments and will be forwarding the questions to Mel. Thank you everyone.
Thank you to everyone for posting questions. The answers have been posted.
Vickie was selected as the winner of the book. Vickie can you please email me with your mailing address. I sent an email but it bounced back to me.