When the WNBA season began, veteran forward Adrienne Goodson had high expectations. The Silver Stars team had reached the Western Conference Finals last year as the Utah Starzz and "Goodie" looked to improve on that.
"I think that we have all the right pieces," Goodson said in pre-season. "We just need to focus and have that talent translate into wins on the court."
Easier said than done.
After the first 22 games the season, Goodson was averaging only 10 points per game on 35% shooting and the Silver Stars' record was a dismal 6-16.
"I just don't know," Goodson quipped after a mid-season loss. "I wish I knew what the problem was so that we could fix it. We just aren't getting it done."
And for the first time of her career, Goodson wasn't getting it done either. After averaging 15.7 points per game and an All-Star appearance in 2002, she couldn't find her shot.
"I'm just basically supporting myself through this and loving myself through this," Goodson vowed. "It's hard. Sometimes you get down on yourself."
"We just have to keep our heads up. Keep working. Practice hard. Play hard. Focus."
And work she did. Goodson came to practice early and stayed late. She hustled her body up and down the court with women 15 years her junior. And when her shots weren't falling, Goodson still excelled at other parts of her game.
"She's a natural leader and she can carry our team whether she's scoring or not," praised point guard Jennifer Azzi.
"Well after almost 30 years of playing basketball, I didn't think my game disappeared over night," said Goodson. "I knew I'd be back."
And then things began to click. Over the last twelve games of season, Goodson averaged 14.5 points per game.
The last home game of the season against the Seattle Storm may have been her best. Goodson scored a season-high 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting and played relentless defense as the Silver Stars emerged with an overtime victory.
"She plays like she's 21 out there," said Silver Stars' guard Marie Ferdinand. "She's an inspiration to all of us on and off the court."
Goodson ended the season averaging 11.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The veteran forward is a restricted free agent and could receive offers from other teams in the offseason.
The 37-year-old Goodson scoffs at the idea of retirement and is already looking to next year.
"I think we need to work on coming together as a team so that next year we can be a contender for the playoffs."
