Maya Moore feels blessed and thankful about being on the U.S. Olympic team. At age 23, the second-year Lynx forward is the team's youngest player.
"This is the biggest stage that I have played [on]," Moore said. "I probably need to take more moments to think about -- wow -- how cool it is to be where I am."
Wherever Moore goes, her teams always seem to win: two NCAA championships at Connecticut, first place in the 2010 women's world championships, a WNBA title with the Lynx in 2011, and Spanish and EuroLeague titles with Ros Casares Valencia earlier this year.
Her next goal is winning a gold medal. "It's important," Moore said, "but it is not just about my personal goals. [I] represent USA Basketball. We have a legacy. We have a history."
Moore is excited to help write the next chapter with her former college coach, Geno Auriemma.
"I could not have planned it any better," Moore said. "To be able to have four years at Connecticut and learn from such a great coach [and then] get another chance to play for him as the Olympic coach."
Having two Lynx teammates on the U.S. team is another bonus.
"It speaks to how special of a group this [Lynx team] is," Moore said. "Lindsay is playing so well right now. And when [Seimone] has the ball in her hands on the perimeter, it is amazing to watch her. If we are able to take home a gold medal and play well, it is going to feel really good."
ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ