Catch Up With Stacey Dales-Schuman

Stacey Dales-Schuman has to pinch herself at times to really believe how well life is going. She's happily married, playing her third year of professional women's basketball in the United States and about to become more involved in sports reporting with ESPN.

It's a dream come true for the Brockville woman and Thousand Islands Secondary School graduate, who enjoyed a record-setting All-American career at the University of Oklahoma before being drafted with the third overall pick by the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association in May 2002.

“What hasn't changed is the person I am. That is definitely the case,” said Dales-Schuman, ready to return to playing with the WNBA taking a one-month break due to the Olympic Games in Athens. “I'm doing things other people would love to do. I look at it I happen to be okay at playing basketball and it's given me some opportunities I'm very grateful for,” said Dales-Schuman. “Does it change who I am? Not whatsoever and that's a good thing.”

Her basketball role has changed. She's made the switch from being the No. 1 point guard in United States college to very seldom playing that position in her pro career. She has become the shooting guard or swing forward, depending on the opposition.

“I've been shuffled around but I always expect that. It's good to be a versatile player,” said Dales-Schuman. “I think that's what you should try to teach your kids growing up in a sport. Be versatile. If you do that, you can be more valuable to helping your team.”

In her 88-game pro career, she's averaging 27 minutes a game, three rebounds, three assists and 9.5 points a game. Her career high in scoring was 26 points in her rookie season. She dished out 10 assists in one game earlier this year. “I will play in the position that will allow me to help my team to win. If they want me to play center for five minutes a game, I'll do that,” said Dales-Schuman. “You have to figure out a way to be a leader from any position to help your teammates that way.”

It's been an adjustment to pro ball. “Definitely, when you look at college, it was intense and tough. Multiply that 10 times when you get to the professional level,” she said. “It's so much more physical, so much more physically and mentally demanding.” Pro sports isn't a long career.

Dales-Schuman isn't certain how long she will play. “I don't know. I'm going to wait and see how things go, take it day to day, season to season and see what happens,” said Dales-Schuman. “At this point, who knows? It all depends on a lot of things.” Part of the equation is her blossoming career as a sports reporter for ESPN. Graduating in communications from Oklahoma, Dales-Schuman has been an impressive new face as a studio analyst for ESPN's womens basketball, earning plaudits from USA Today for her abilities in front of the television cameras. She's going to be back doing women's basketball again this year but will also likely be seen doing two other major college sports to go with that as she finalizes a new three-year deal with ESPN.

“I've developed and grown behind the camera. I work hard at being prepared and hopefully I can tell people something that will be of a lasting value,” said the well-spoken and articulate Dales-Schuman. “I try to convey women's basketball in the best way I can.”

Right now, Dales-Schuman is concentrating on helping a talented but under-achieving Washington team into the playoffs, something she believes is entirely possible. “We're so talented, it's scary,” said Dales-Schuman. “We haven't figured out how to get it together until now. If we can continue what we're doing, we'll be just fine.”

The Mystics' record is only 12-14, placing them in fifth place in the Eastern Division. Washington is only two games out of first place in the tight playoff race. With the team on a bit of a roll, she was disappointed to have the time off but happy it gave her a rare opportunity to spend some time in Brockville with family and friends.

By RON SMITH, Sports Editor
The Recorder and Times Limited

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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