WNBA player returns to KU to complete her degree

LAWRENCE -- Last month, when Lynn Pride reported to her WNBA training camp, she packed the essentials: sneakers, warm-ups and her western civilization reading materials.

Pride, a former women's basketball standout at the University of Kansas, will complete her degree in African-American studies this May. Because she was chosen as the seventh pick overall in the 2001 Women's National Basketball Association draft, she left KU with two semesters' worth of classes remaining toward her degree.

For all intents and purposes, Pride could have remained financially set even without a college degree, but some things were much more important to her than money.

"The fact that I'm the first in my family to graduate from college motivated me even more," she said.

Although the WNBA season takes place in the summer, Pride still had to juggle practices and training camp with classes and homework assignments. That meant a hectic travel schedule throughout this school year, shuttling back and forth between Lawrence and Minnesota, where she plays for the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.

While she was here on campus, she faced another set of challenges, including taking both required courses of western civ this semester. Fortunately, she said, her professors were very understanding.

"Because I put a lot of time into it before leaving for training camp, they knew I wasn't playing around," she said. "That meant handing in work before it was due -- you just have to put in more effort than usual."

As a result, when she wasn't on a fast break, chances were she was heading toward a study break.

"It's a rough transition," she said. "Practicing seven or eight hours is mentally draining and then on top of it you have to study for an exam. You really try not to find any excuses, though -- it's just something I knew I had to do."

Along with her personal motivation, Pride received plenty of encouragement from several people at KU, including women's head basketball coach Marian Washington and Renate Mai-Dalton, associate professor of business and member of the KU Athletic Board. She also got a lot of support from her WNBA coach, Brian Agler.

"If it wasn't for them, I don't think I'd be here right now," Pride said.

Washington said she could tell there were times when balancing a pro career and an education took a toll on Pride. Still, even when Lynn went through moments of doubt, her determination never faltered, Washington said.

"Lynn is such a wonderful young person with a beautiful heart and a beautiful spirit," Washington said. "She's really been blessed because there are so many different people in life helping her, but she really deserves the credit. She accepted this challenge and she has responded."

Like Washington, Mai-Dalton keeps in constant touch with Pride throughout the season -- as both a friend and an academic mentor. She said she was "immensely proud" to see the former KU player complete her studies.

"I'm happy she has her degree now because after her career with the WNBA she will have good opportunities," Mai-Dalton said.

Even though Pride said she was happy to be back on campus this year, she couldn't help but feel frustrated at not being able to help Coach Washington and the team through a difficult season. Nonetheless, she helped out in practices and gave pep talks to some of the younger players.

"There was nothing I could do to suit up for her and play for her, and I was hurting to see it," Pride said. "I just tried to instill into the young players how much this program means -- not only to Coach Washington but the university as well -- you have to represent in the best way you can."

In this day and age, when many young men are skipping college altogether for the promise of big bucks in the pros, Pride stands as an example of a gifted athlete who still took advantage of the educational opportunities offered to her, Washington said. In fact, she said, she would like to see Pride continue her education.

"Lynn has a good mind -- a great business mind -- and I would hope that she would go back to school eventually for an advanced degree," Washington said.

Whether she pursues a graduate degree, Washington said, Pride already has set a high standard for future student-athletes at KU.

"It reflects what I feel this program, this athletic department and this university are about -- the student is first," Washington said. "It does my heart good to see someone like Lynn be able to fulfill a dream."

Mai-Dalton agreed that this achievement could not have happened to a better person.

"She's the most honest and open young person you will know," Mai-Dalton said. "She plays no games -- she is who she is. It's rare to find someone so genuine and kind."

Both Washington and Mai-Dalton said they would be at the commencement ceremony this weekend -- along with Pride's mother, brother, and nephew and nieces -- cheering her on as she makes her final walk down the Hill.

Although it will be a joyous occasion, Pride won't have much time to celebrate. The Monday after commencement, she has to board a plane and jet back to Minnesota for a game on Tuesday.

Soon the season will be in full swing and Pride will be busy with practices, games and public appearances. The difference, though, is that with degree in hand, she will have even more credibility as a role model for the many kids who already look up to her.

"I can tell them that this is what you are going to be up against -- these are the demands," she said. "And I'll be able to exemplify to these kids that it can be done."