It’s good to be home.
Surely these words have grazed a large majority of our lips at one point or another.
And that was exactly the case for former Bruin and Los Angeles Sparks point guard Noelle Quinn on Wednesday night, as the Sparks opened the 2009 WNBA Western Conference Finals on Nell and John Wooden Court at Pauley Pavilion.
Although the Sparks usually frequent the Staples Center for their home games, they were forced to hold Wednesday night’s game at Pauley Pavilion due to a Britney Spears concert being held at Staples.
Go figure.
Regardless of why, Quinn was ecstatic to be back on her old stomping grounds in Westwood.
“I was excited to be back home,” Quinn said. “I haven’t played here in like two or three years. It was a little different playing here since we play in Staples Center but I was really looking forward to it.”
But once Quinn stepped on the floor, she remembered what it was like to represent UCLA and was greeted by the Bruin faithful as if she had never left.
Each time Quinn was involved in a play, even if she simply touched the ball, UCLA fans lit up and showed their affection toward the Bruin alumna.
“When I was here, the fans, the other athletes, the season ticket holders, the band, those were all faithful supporters,” Quinn said. “It was great to see some familiar faces and be back in my comfort zone.”
Similar to another former UCLA student-athlete, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar, Quinn played her college ball at UCLA and now plays professionally in her hometown, an idea that Quinn dreamed of early in her career.
“I initially got drafted by Minnesota but coming back to Los Angeles is a dream come true,” Quinn explained. “I grew up here, and it’s been a dream of mine to stay here and play professional basketball. I’m just so grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to years to come.”
In her second year in the league and first year with the Sparks, 24-year-old Quinn started nine out of 34 games this season, and averaged 27.3 minutes per game to go along with eight points. She also led the Sparks in assists, averaged four per contest.
The Sparks are currently in the hunt for their third WNBA Championship in the league’s thirteenth year in existence, and Quinn, serving as the team’s chief point guard, plays a key role in the team’s success.
Realizing that she is now a role model to Bruins who hope to play in the WNBA, Quinn said that she has offered advice to several players, telling them that maintaining a serious work ethic is central to accomplishing their dreams of playing professionally.
“I would just tell them make sure they continue to work hard,” Quinn said. “If they want to play professionally, continue to work hard and just represent as a Bruin.”
In addition, Quinn expressed how thrilled she is about the direction the UCLA women’s program is headed in under head coach Nikki Caldwell.
“She’s doing a great job,” Quinn said. “I know it takes a couple of years when you take over a program for your program to excel, but immediately she had a great season. She’s hard nose and she’s been under the best of the best in Pat Summitt, so she’s bringing that mentality here and we need that.”
But in regards to Michael Cooper, who is currently the Sparks head coach but will be leaving the organization to take over the women’s basketball program at USC, Quinn didn’t seem too sure about her current coach’s decision.
“I haven’t got on him about it yet,” Quinn said jokingly. “I’ll try not to judge him. I’m kidding, I think it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s a great coach and he’s going to do big things over there.”
Above all, Quinn was certainly overcome by the nostalgia of being back on campus and playing in front of family and friends at UCLA. And despite the Sparks close loss and a somber mood in the locker room, Quinn was able to conjure a smile and sum up her feelings for her alma mater.
“I love UCLA,” Quinn said. “I’ll always be a Bruin. UCLA is my heart.”
Phoenix takes Game 1: All-WNBA First Team Selection Diana Taurasi tallied 28 points and six assists as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Sparks 103-94 Wednesday night, taking a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 2 in the best-of-three series is set for Friday in Phoenix.