Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 at 12:39 pm  |  14 responses

Swin Cash on Being Traded

Her first statements as a member of the Chicago Sky.

by Swin Cash / @swincash

“The Storm has moved on and the Sky is bright.”

The new year rang in with lots of fireworks, to say the least.

On January 1, I received a call that most athletes dread – the one where my agents inform me I’ve been traded.

Happy New Year! Cheers!

First, let me say that I loved my time in Seattle. I thought when I signed my contract last year that I would be in Seattle for the rest of my career. But, just like I told Lamar Odom a few weeks ago, this is a business. So, you address it as such!

The business of basketball is always hard for fans to understand. One of the hardest things for me after receiving the news was seeing so many heartfelt messages on Twitter (@swincash). To know that I had an impact on so many individuals from afar was humbling. I just want you to know I will never forget the Seattle fans; they were truly my sixth man. I feel honored to have been a part of building the Storm Crazies tradition and to have been able to personally help create the Storm Crazies character that emblazons so many t-shirts in the Key and around Seattle. Hopefully, when I return to the Key in Sky blue I can still hear you all loud and proud!

I’ve been blessed to be in the WNBA for 10 years and to have a career that has included winning an Olympic Gold Medal, a FIBA World Championship and multiple other accolades. But, more importantly, I’ve been blessed to play for two WNBA franchises with amazing, talented women along with die-hard fans. Some of my proudest moments were hoisting three World Championship trophies after climbing to the top of the mountain.

Now, I’m headed to the Chicago Sky and, frankly, I plan to continue the trend in Chicago with my new teammates. I wouldn’t play if I wasn’t trying to win! I see this new team as a whole new opportunity and I am certainly embracing it.

The late Al Davis used to say, “Just win, baby.” I can’t think of a better way to describe the mentality I’m going to bring to the Sky.

You have to understand the WNBA is a business and the Storm made a business decision; they have moved on and I need to move on too. I’m hoping all the Storm Crazies will stick with me as I continue this ride. My Cash for Kids charity thanks you, I thank you, and everyone who works to make everything I do possible thanks you.

Goodbye, Emerald City. I appreciate the love.

/queues “Fly” by Nicki Minaj (ft. Rihanna). Waves hello to Chicago…

Swin

***

Stylecaster.com – Catch my articles & photos starting in January!

Swincash.com – Relaunching in February!

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  • Jl

    Swin it is a business and I will always be loud and proud as one of your fans no matter where you play and I will cheer on Seattle no matter what. But just go to Chi-town and do what you do… Win Baby. Good luck to you and to Le’Coe both are very missed already. Can’t wait to see you back at the Key.

  • http://ladyswish.blogspot.com Paul

    I am now officially a Chicago Sky fan.

  • Patrick Sheehy

    Swin Cash, you earned every bit of adoration the fans of Seattle and Detroit have showered on you. You will have new adoring fans in Chicago, but you already know that to the Storm Crazies, once a Seattle Storm, always a Seattle Storm. We cheer for every coach and player returning to Key Arena in a new uniform. Your off court grace and joy are the same traits with which you play the game, and your passion and love for the game are infectious. You will always be at home in the key. We will always hope for a triple-double by Swin with a win by the Storm when you face your former team mates.

  • wbb fan

    I echo what psheehy said-”Once Storm, always Storm”. There’s no doubt you will get a standing ovation when you visit the Key.

    I wish the best for you in Chicago. At least you can get some outstanding pizza and bbq there!

    I hope you make the Olympic team, especially after your back injury kept you off the ’08 team. Since then, you’ve shown you’re back as good as ever and deserve a chance at another gold.

  • http://slamonline.com The Black Rick Kamla

    If its any consolation to swinn in this time of uncertainty nobody watches the wnba.

  • http://Heavona@blogspot.com Heavona

    Well, said Swinny Swin… We here in Chicago is proud to have you as a Chicago Sky player, so I personally welcome you to Chi-Town with open arms,because Lord knows I’m a ride or die Chicago Sky fan.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Slick Ric

    Wow, I cant believe Swin got traded to the sky. I’m excited, Always been a Swin fan but now I’m even more a fan because you play for my hometown team, Wish you and the sky much success.

  • LoneRanger

    I understand the business of trade but I don’t have to like it! I always got to my feet when Swin entered the game because I knew action would unfold! I look forward to the 2012 Storm vs. Sky game. Seattle will miss Swin & ‘Coe!

  • norwester

    Good luck, Swin! We loved having you in Seattle. I expected you to finish your career with us as well, and while I’m trying to be pragmatic and realistic about the business aspect of professional basketball, that doesn’t mean you won’t be missed in the Emerald City. Fortunately, I like the Sky, and they seem to really putting effort into building a quality organization. So best of luck, except for twice a year. ;)

  • Michelle

    Swin you will be missed! Thank you for being the Xfactor for the 2010 championship, Storm couldnt have done it without you!
    I hope that you and Coco can get the Sky to the playoffs. Your experience will be vital!

  • Shannon

    You are an inspiration Swin, and although I was heartbroken to see you traded from the Storm I know you will embrace the opportunity that you have been given! Best of luck to you as you embark on the next chapter of your career!

  • @winnielau

    I am a Swin Crazy.

  • Angie

    Classy Lady, no doubt :)

  • Rob Burns

    Welcome to Chicago. You’re going to love playing alongside, Piph, Sloot, and, of course, Big Syl!

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