Official release
Lynx Coach Suzie McConnell Serio
We are just very excited about those two players coming in. We have a great nucleus coming back that they will be able to learn from, but just getting into training camp and playing against our players, I think they will be able to bring their game to the next level. With Nicole Ohlde we're looking for her to get a little more physical to be able to play — but love her versatility, being able to play the 4 or the 5. Vanessa Hayden is just a tremendous inside post player. I think she will help make the post players she plays with even better.
Q: When you take a look at Tasha Butts, where do you see her playing on your team and what does she bring to your team?
McConnell Serio: She brings a great deal of experience. She's a winner. She's taken her team to the Final Four and has played in big games and has hit big shots and knows how to win. I think that's important when you're coming to the next level — knowing how to win. Offensively, she can score. She's a great defender and I just think she's a great competitor who can come in a compete for a spot on this team.
Q: Suzie, I know there was a lot of pressure to take Lindsay Whalen and you were not able to get her in this draft. How do you think that's going to sit with your fans there?
McConnell Serio: That's a credit to Lindsay. Lindsay had a tremendous senior season. She played herself into being a top-four pick, so you can't hold that against her. Unfortunately, she didn't drop to our position. We were not able to get her. The fans in Minnesota will definitely be disappointed, but we know that when Connecticut comes here, we will draw very well in our arena and we look forward to that. I wish Lindsay the best of luck because I believe she will have a great career in the WNBA and will be a great player. Unfortunately we didn't get her, but I wish her the best.
Nicole Ohlde
I was just ready for anything, whenever my name would be called. I'm definitely just really excited to be able to go to Minnesota and play there.
Q: Do you have any reservations or concerns that the Minnesota fans won't accept you because of the clamor for Whalen?
Ohlde: I know they were looking forward to Lindsay staying in Minnesota, but from what I've heard Minnesota fans are really nice, they get into games a lot. I definitely found that out when I played up at Minnesota. I know the fans are extremely nice, so hopefully they will accept whatever players come in there.
Q: You talked about playing here before (in the NCAA tournament). You probably don't have the best memories of that. What's it going to be like coming back here?
Ohlde: I think it's going to be fun. My last memory playing there wasn't a whole lot of fun, but that's in the past. I'm just looking forward to it and excited to get going.
Q: How can you help this club?
Ohlde: I can help with my ability to run the court. I can do a lot of different things, but really whatever the club asks me to do. I'm just going to try and help out in whatever way I can.
Q&A with Nicole Ohlde
Vanessa Hayden
Q: Can you talk about your feelings about being picked by Minnesota?
Hayden: I'm really excited right now. It's just an honor to be here. I'm happy to go play with some great girls. They have some veterans out there in Teresa Edwards, and the younger players in Tamika Williams. I'm just excited about going out there.
Q: How is your foot and what is the doctor's prognosis about when you can come back?
Hayden: Actually, I fractured my fibula. They told me it's a 6-12 week injury. I'm in week 4 right now. I'm feeling good and I'm feeling like I'll be back sooner than later.
Q: So you probably won't be ready for the start of the season?
Hayden: You never know. We'll see when that comes. I'm feeling good and I heal well.
Q: Are you concerned about how you will be received in Minnesota after there being so much desire by fans here to have Lindsay Whalen?
Hayden: It would have been great for Lindsay to come to Minnesota, but we figured that she would go a lot higher. I'm just going to go out and have a good time. I know the Minnesota fans — from watching them on television — are awesome, so I hope they will accept me.
Q: What strengths do you feel you bring to Minnesota?
Hayden: I think I bring and inside presence. I'm very physical on the court. I think I'm a good defender in the post.
Q&A with Vanessa Hayden
