Shay Murphy and Noelle Quinn played together with the Minnesota Lynx; although they are no longer teammates in the WNBA, their friendship remains. Below are their thoughts to questions submitted by MinnesotaLynx.com and WashingtonMystics.com ...

What did each of you do over the Olympic break in the season?

Shay: During the Olympic break, I went back home to Sherman Oaks, California also known as the "Valley". There I hung out with my friends and family. I visited the Santa Monica beach and cruised along the coast of Venice Beach on a beach cruiser, just enjoying the palm trees and beautiful breeze of the ocean. I also went to Lake Havesu, which is located in Arizona. There we did major water sports such as, jet skiing, wakeboarding, water tubing, cliff jumping just to name a few.

Temperatures during the day at Lake Havesu got around 116 degree's but cooled down at night to about 101. I also worked out everyday and completed the workout routine that was given to every player. We all know how it goes, "No work, No play". Anyways, my overall break at home was Amazing!

Q: I went to Los Angeles and spent most of my time with family and friends. My nieces also play basketball so I watched some of their games, which was very exciting and fun. But for the most part I relaxed and enjoyed SUNNY Los Angeles. I also watched the Olympics too of course! I was watching sports I didn't know existed. During the Olympics its funny how patriotism is on an all-time high! You can watch fencing, not know any of the rules, don't know any of the athlete's names, yet any Americans are playing, you automatically cheer for them. It’s great!

Did you enjoy the time off?

Q: Yes I enjoyed it a lot. There aren't many opportunities during the season to take days off and just relax and your mind and your body AND chill with family. So I took complete advantage of the time we had off to do so.

Shay: I really enjoyed my time off, as did every player and coach. I enjoyed going back to my hometown and relaxing with people I haven't seen in months. I think it was really refreshing for me mentally and physically. I also enjoyed watching the Olympics and cheering for team USA and every event and for my former and current teammates. So the time off, was quite lovely.

Would you rather have kept playing right through the Olympics?

Shay: There is a part of me that would have loved to continued with the season, kept practices going, remained in game shape and the rhythm and the flow of the game. This would have made the season end sooner, which means a longer break at home before the overseas season begins. But, the break was much needed for all players and coaches I believe. It was also being able to hit the beach, during the summer. So having the Olympic break was more of a positive, rather than a negative.

Q: Although it was tough to have the break and to come back to finish the season, I wouldn't have changed anything. It was great to be able to watch and support our men and women.