The Silver Stars finished 2003 with a losing record (12-22), but in some ways their inaugural season in San Antonio was not a losing one.
The Silver Stars, in their new city and new arena, finished the year with the third largest average attendance in the league at 10,384 fans per game -- far above their average throughout their history as the Utah Starzz in Salt Lake.
After losing their final game of the year against the Los Angeles Sparks on the road, the Silver Stars looked ahead to next season.
"The season ended the way I wanted it to. Overall we ended on a positive note, even though tonight did not go the way we wanted it to," said head coach Shelly Dailey.
"We know that (next season) we have to develop the bench to contribute in game situations. We have some rookies that know that they have to be ready to play whenever they are needed."
Veteran Adrienne Goodson, who will be one of the Silver Stars' three restricted free agents, was ready to get back to work.
"The offseason starts now," said Goodson. "We're going to see what people will do about it and how they will come back next season."
The Silver Stars finished their roller coaster ride with back-to-back road losses in Phoenix and Los Angeles, but the players found some positives.
"There were the ups and downs and the difficulties, but I feel like this team never really broke down," point guard Jennifer Azzi said. "We remained supportive of each other and that's what has made it special for me."
There are many question marks for the San Antonio team. Interim coach Dailey, who is expecting a baby, is not sure whether she intends to return to the Silver Stars next season. Dailey took over the coaching duties for head coach Candi Harvey who was terminated on July 26. The Silver Stars were 6-6 under the Dailey's reign after a horrendous 6-16 start.
Though the Silver Stars' season did not meet many expectations, there is a Silver lining.
This offseason will be the first year that the WNBA has free agents and San Antonio's chief operating officer Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil plans to take a look at all of her options. And after finishing with the third worst record in the league, San Antonio also will have a very high pick in this year's talent-filled draft.
So next year look for new faces on the court at the SBC Center as the Silver Stars look to return to their winning ways in front of their loyal fans.
