Helping fans connect with their favorite players.
by Stephen Litel / @stephenlitel
Recently, I decided to use my position here at SLAM to help fans connect with players and “interview” them, so from time-to-time you will see a new feature here called “Fans Interview.” I look forward to seeing the questions that fans come up with from the respective cities around the WNBA, as they know their hometown players better than I do most of the time. Therefore, I’m sure I’ll learn quite a bit myself and am excited about that.
When I was in high school, Stephon Marbury (of all people) answered a question of mine during an NBA.com chat and it was a great moment for me. Not able to attend many games growing up in Iowa, my viewing of basketball was from afar, so it was a great thrill. I suppose it’s somewhat of a “Pay-it-forward” moment for me, but I’m happy to help fans connect with their favorite players, whether they play in the NBA or WNBA.
Our debut of “Fans Interview” comes from Brittany (@tyrekecorrea) who wanted to interview Janel McCarville (@JanelMcCarville) of the New York Liberty. Brittany is a sophomore at Lehman College and is a Liberty season ticket holder for the first time this coming season. I want to thank Brittany for the fun questions she came up with, as well as thanking Janel McCarville for taking the time to answer them for her.
Do you remember how you felt when you first came to play for New York?
Janel McCarville: I was pretty excited, actually. My first two years in Charlotte were not the easiest to endure. I really felt wanted by New York and I was excited to get a fresh, new start.
When you’re on the road, which WNBA city do you like visiting the most? 
JM: I would say Minneapolis because that’s where I have most of my ties. I get to see my friends from college and that’s a rare treat. I always gotta hit up Chipolte with my crew!
Do you have a favorite memory of playing at Madison Square Garden?
JM: The triple OT game against Indy in 2008. That game was and has to be one of the best finishes in the Garden’s women’s era.
What’s your favorite movie?
JM: There are so many good ones out there. I will say I have seen a lot of good ones in my day. If you watched it, I probably have too.
Back in 2009, you resolved to stay away from soda and you lasted for a while! Did you ever try that again?
JM: Just drank a glass of orange Fanta as I got to this question! Hahaha…too funny! Well, you see what had happened was, I stopped for three months and it was easy, to be honest. Once I got back to the States and having it within reach, well, let’s just say my resolution didn’t last long after that.
What is your favorite karaoke song?
JM: No one will understand this except a certain few … ISLA BONITA!
Do you have a favorite book?
JM: No, not really. Sadly enough, I lose interest no matter how good it is. I just can’t finish ‘em. I am more of a magazine girl.
Are there any particular quotes that you like to live by?
JM: “Make it rain,” “Raindrop,” “Buckets” and “Gotta guard it.”
Lastly, do you have anything that you’d like to say to your fans?
JM: Of course! I think you guys get overlooked and I think I am lucky to have ‘em. Without you guys, we would be out of a job. So, thank you fans! And even more thanks to the fans of the New York Liberty. Big things this year. Bet that.
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