EDITOR'S LETTER

Dear Readers,

How many games have we been to where members of the audience hurled insults at the officials? Easier to count how many times we haven't witnessed that. It's pretty standard fare.

I know I've wondered what motivates these hard working individuals to endure that sort of ongoing "attention" (for lack of a better word). Ask them and you'll find out most of them have a great love of the game of basketball. They love being part of the sport, and they do their utmost to serve it.

Two years ago, I was coming back from a trip to Canada, and a U.S. customs official stopped me - but for a good reason. He noticed the WNBA luggage tag on my suitcase and wanted to tell me that he had officiated at some of Lisa Leslie's high school basketball games. He spoke about the experience with so much enthusiasm and pride.

Some people ref as a career, some are volunteers. Please take the time to read Helen Wheelock's story on the art of officiating. Maybe next time you'll ask the ref about the calls with a new approach.

Also in this issue Lara Boyko takes a look at the complex Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). In addition to the games they play on the basketball court, college teams must play the RPI game to increase their chances of finding themselves in the NCAA tournament. Several coaches weigh in with their opinions.

Someone who knows a lot about the big dance is Debbie Ryan, now in her 27th year as head coach at the University of Virginia. Under her leadership the Cavaliers have made 20 consecutive tournament appearances. She gives us some insight into what it means to work with players during their college years.

Another person who has done her share of winning is our cover subject, Swin Cash, who has two National Championships and now a WNBA Championship on her resume. In between her second title at the University of Connecticut and her first with the Detroit Shock, she learned a bit about the other side of the stat sheet. Taking the Shock from worst to first was a daunting challenge. As the team captain she contributed her best on the court and behind the scenes each day during the 2003 season.

There are so many intangibles that go into winning - talent, hard work, perseverance, vision and determination among them. Swin has embodied and embraced all of those attributes at some point in her life. She has also held fast to her determination never to be one-dimensional. It's something she learned from her mother - be versatile. So with this issue we present Swin Cash - ferocious competitor and beautiful woman.

Being multifaceted is a noble goal for all of us.

We are now in the thick of the college basketball season. I challenge the readers to let me know about some lesser-known stories that deserve attention. Write to me at letters@WBmagazine.com.

Copyright Ashton International Media, Inc. Feb 2004
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