Chelsea Newton checks in with SacramentoMonarchs.com today all the way from Italy. Among other things, Chelsea discusses her love for Italian food, her goals for the busy off-season and what she misses most about the United States.
You mentioned that you loved the food in Italy. What food, in particular, is your favorite? Do you like the pasta? The pizza?
Hmmm, my favorite food would have to be the croissants with crème....LOL! No I really love the pasta and pizza, it's all pretty good.
Have you tried the gelato?
Of course I've tried gelato it's delicious. The ice cream here is just so beautiful. I don't want to eat it because they fix it so nicely.
Have you gone sightseeing? What have you seen? What do you want to see?
Yes, I have gone a few places. I just went to Florence and took pictures of the Cathedral. I went to visit the Leaning Tower in Pisa. The most beautiful of all was Portovenere. It is in the mountains right on the water. It has an ancient church on the mountain and the scenery is just amazing.
Teach us a little Italian. What are some of your favorite things to say?
Ciao is hello/goodbye and I say that to everyone all the time, even strangers. My teammates laugh at me all the time because it is informal and you really don't say it to strangers.
How often do you talk to your family? Are any of your family members going to visit you?
I talk to my family all the time. I have a direct line to my computer and it is local. My mom is coming next year sometime. I have had a couple of friends visit already.
Describe the fans in Italy. Do a lot of fans attend the games? How are Italian basketball fans different from American basketball fans?
The fans in Italy are totally dedicated. They come to practices and all games, home and away. We have a really, really small gym and it is always packed. They aren't different; they love us just the same, win or loss.
What were your expectations of Italy?
Well, I've heard so many great things about the country, the scenery, people, basketball, and of course the PASTA. I wanted to be able to play somewhere and enjoy the culture and beauty of the country and so far ITALIA has been great to me.
Why did you choose to play for Carispe La Spezia?
It was actually my first offer and it intrigued my interest. I didn't want to go throughout the summer worrying about where I was going to play during the off-season.
Have you learned any of the language?
I'm trying. I learned the basketball terminology and to count first (prima). The rest will just be learned as I go. I want to be fluent in another language and Italiano and Espanol are the leading candidates!
Is it difficult adjusting to Italian culture and their language?
It isn't at all. The only difficult thing has been driving, but after being tested on the streets of NYC, I can handle it. One of my teammates translates everything, so I haven't had much of a problem. Even when trying to understand Italiano, it's not as complicated, a lot of the words sound and resemble the English language.
What are your goals for this season?
My goals are simple, to be in great shape, be a great defender and just to continue to work on my offensive game. Hopefully, my team will be competitive in the Italian league, you never know until you get there!!!!! Keep your fingers crossed.
Are you looking forward to going up against some of your Monarchs teammates?
At this point, I've already played against Rebekkah and Linda. They both had wonderful games. It was amazing watching Rebekkah rebound the way she does. I'm just happy we play together in SACRAMENTO.
How much does overseas play prepare you for the WNBA season?
Overseas play allows you to stay in basketball shape. I worked the last off-season and it was so tough to stay in shape and sharpen your game. Overseas gives you the opportunity to play and enjoy other countries.
What do you miss the most about home?
FAMILY. I can't say the food because it is great in Italy and definitely the shopping. I just miss my close friends and family.
What would you like to say to Monarchs fans?
Thanks for sticking by us. This year was a tough one for all, but we are all preparing for next season. We want to bring IT back to SAC!!!!
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