Atlanta native Maya Moore, the WNBA's Rookie of the Year for 2011, played a big part in pushing the Minnesota Lynx to the WNBA's best record in 2011. While there were many contributors to the Lynx's success this season, many can look to Moore who has made a habit of winning no matter what team she was suiting up for.
Atlanta Journal Constitution sports writer Michael Cunningham chronicles Moore's travels from high school, to the University of Connecticut and now with the Lynx who had never won more than 18 games in a season before Moore arrived In 2011, the Lynx were a league best 27-7.
While at Collins Hill high school, Moore's team's were a combined 125-3 including three consecutive Georgia High School State Championships. From there Moore moved to the University of Connecticut and was part of a team that posted a 150-4 overall record, won two NCAA championships, made four Final Fours and won an NCAA record 90 consecutive games.
Winning just doesn't come natural to Moore, it is a part of her. If you include her AAU career and the Lynx's record this season, Moore is a combined 375-20 since she began high school.
Now she will return home to play at Philips Arena in Game 3 and maybe Game 4 of the WNBA Finals only she is on the opposite side this time around. No doubt that there will be many Maya Moore fans among those that gather at Philips Arena for Game 3.
"I'm looking forward to having my friends and family being able to see me in person," Moore said. "But as far as thinking about that, I'm going to go out and compete, and once the horn goes off, it's all basketball."
For more on the WNBA Finals, the Minnesota Lynx and the Atlanta Dream be sure and check out SB Nation's Women's Hoops blog Swish Appeal.