PEOPLE
March 7, 2007.Wednesday

Dawn Staley Is One of a kind (1)
A female basketball superstar and role model offers something special

Early on, Estelle Staley sensed there was something different about her only daughter, the youngest of her four children. Aside from being quiet and introverted, little Dawn wasn't much into the things that preoccupied many girls her age, like dolls, toys or skipping rope.
That was fine by Estelle. After all, the child was trouble-free and besides, the other kids seemed to gravitate toward her despite her reticence.
    While Dawn was attending an elementary school near her residence in a North  Philadelphia public-housing project, a school coach unexpectedly visited her family.    Through his words, Estella realized that her daughter was not simply different. He told her that Dawn could really, really play basketball.
Today, Dawn Staley, 36, stands among the most accomplished athletes, man or woman, that basketball-rich Philadelphia has ever produced. And her impact has been international, causing many to want to emulate her.

      A distinguished career
   The Houston Comets of the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) honored Staley after her final regular-season game as a professional basketball player in 2006. Staley wrapped up a professional career with numerous awards and honors in addition to three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's team.
   Amazingly enough, Staley has also found time to coach the women's basketball team at Temple University in Philadelphia during the WNBA's off-season. Staley has transformed the Owls' program from an afterthought into one that has captured national recognition.

   In addition, as the founder of the Dawn Staley Foundation, she is also providing opportunities for the less fortunate through after-school athletic and academic programs.    
   At 5-feet-6 inches tall, Staley has become a giant in the game. Off the court, she is a precious role model.
The irony is that Staley is uncomfortable with the spotlight. She dislikes being the center of attention, a characteristic that's reflected in her selfless play and charitable nature.

Vocabulary Focus
introverted (adj)--- relating to someone who is shy, quiet and unable to make friends easily
gravitate toward (somebody/something) (v phr)--- to be attracted by or to move in the direction of something or someone
reticence (n)--- an unwillingness to speak about your thoughts or feelings
emulate (v)--- to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have
afterthought (n)--- an idea, thought or plan which was not originally intended, but is thought of at a later time.