Throughout the 2015 season, the Atlanta Dream will have rookies blogging about their experiences on and off the court during their first season as professionals. Check back often for the latest blog installments throughout the season.

July 29, 2015 – Cierra Burdick

List five words that describe you?

Passionate, outgoing, caring, easy-going, loving

When someone says ‘Cierra Burdick’, what word of phrase do you want associated with your name?

Probably just hard work. I always try to be the hardest worker in the gym, in the country and in the state. That’s my goal every single day I wake up.

If you could have your own ‘Dream Team’, who would be on the team?

Starting five would probably be Magic at the one, Kobe at the two. I’ll probably put LeBron at the three/four and then… nope let’s put Steph [laugh] we have Magic, Kobe, Steph, LeBron and I would have your true center with Tim [Duncan] in the middle.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a basketball player?

I think I’m just so passionate about the game that every possession I try to give my hardest and giving everything that I have every single time I step in-between the lines. I think one of my greatest strengths is, basketball wise, is how versatile I am. I can play inside and out, multiple positions. One of my weaknesses is I have to extend my range and put confidence in my three point shot and trust in my form and fundamentals.

Where do you see the WNBA in 10 years?

Hopefully continuing to grow. We’ve made a lot of progress but there is still a lot of progress to be made. I would love to see more games on TV, not for our own sake or getting paid more, but just for wealth and health of the game. So hopefully it can continue to grow and one day be on the NBA’s level.

June 29, 2015 – Cierra Burdick

Q: What was your college career like at Tennessee?

A: It was definitely an experience. We went through a lot of transitions with Coach Summit retiring but I came out a better person. I learned a lot, matured and grew. I guess that’s the only thing you can ask for out of a college career.

Q: What was your day like on the day of the WNBA draft?

A: I was definitely excited. I’ve dreamt about this since I was five years old. I always wanted to play in the league, so I basically just did my regular routine. I worked out in the morning, hung out with family in the afternoon and in the evening watched it with my two best friends and family. It was an exciting moment.

Q: What were your feelings after being waived from the Los Angeles Sparks before season opener?

A: I was definitely hurt and disappointed. It was a tough time but I just had to pray about it and trust God that what he had in store for me was what’s best and it was all a blessing in disguise with me being able to come here to Atlanta and be close to family and friends and get back on the east coast and the south. I feel like this is where I belong.

Q: What did you do in between getting waived and coming to Atlanta?

A: I only had about 4 or 5 days at home until I came out here, so I kept training and got to spend some quality time with my family. So I got a little break, but not much.

Q: What are some differences in team chemistry you’ve observed between playing for the Tennessee Lady Vols and playing for the Atlanta Dream?

A: I think with college you spend every single day of the year together. You’re with each other for four years. It’s easier to build chemistry because you’re constantly with each other. Here, you’re only with each other five months out of the year and there are moving parts to the puzzle every year. So I think you have to continue to build team chemistry through the season and hope that when playoffs come around, you’re chemistry is really clicking and you’re on the same page.

Q: What are your plans for after the season? Will you play overseas?

A: My agent and I are still working on that. My name is in for the South Korean draft. We’ve talked about going to France. We’ll see, my focus is here with Atlanta so when the time comes for me to go overseas, that’s when I will start focusing on it.

June 23, 2015 – Erica Wheeler

Q: How long have you played basketball?

A: I’ve been playing since I was about 7 years old.

Q: What was your college experience at Rutgers like?

A: My college experience was great. The one thing about (coach) Vivian (Stringer) is she really drilled fundamentals, concepts and defensive concepts. I didn’t understand in practice, I’m like ‘Yo I just want to play’ but now when I go overseas and play here it’s easier to catch on to things because I did it in college.

Q: What did you do after college?

A: I didn’t declare for the draft after college. I went to Puerto Rico first then I ended up going to Turkey in February.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between playing overseas and in WNBA?

A: Overseas it’s tougher because they don’t call fouls over there, so it’s easier to get beat up. But here, you can’t touch anybody. It’s going to be a foul. So you have to have more skills here instead of being so tough. But you still have to have some type of toughness.

Q: What were some major challenges about coming to Atlanta?

A: City wise, I’m originally from Miami (Fla.) so the city wasn’t any different because everybody that lives in Miami is moving to Atlanta so it’s kind of the same. Playing wise, it’s a lot tougher, it’s a lot faster. Everybody is good. Overseas, you have a couple of Euro players that aren’t that good but here, everybody is good. You can’t relax on anybody.

Q: What do you think about the team’s chemistry?

A: The chemistry is pretty good, we’re getting there. We need some more gelling but with time I think we will be great.

May 12, 2015 – Lauren Okafor

Q: What have you been doing since the draft to prepare for the start of training camp?

A: I have been doing lots of running and agility workouts with my strength and conditioning coach, Greg Werner, and fundamental shooting drills at night, with an old teammate.

Q: What are you trying to finish up at home or school before coming to Atlanta?

A: I am mostly finishing up finals, and cleaning out my apartment because one of my teammates’ is subleasing my room for the summer, and preparing for graduation. My shoes just arrived in the mail today 😉

Q: What have you learned about the Dream since the draft?

A :I have actually been following the Dream since last summer. The team was dominant in the league last year and has phenomenal players; from Erika de Souza to Angel McCoughtry to Shoni Schimmel, as well as the rest of the women who contributed to the team’s success – they are one impressive unit. They are competitors, and I am excited for the opportunity to hopefully become an asset to that unit, this season.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned since the draft about how things work in the WNBA that has surprised you?

A: Prior to being drafted, there were many things that I was not knowledgeable of, concerning how things work in the WNBA. I was surprised to learn about the process of the training camp, as well as other aspects of the business. However, I am extremely excited to step up to the challenge of making the final roster.

Q: What excites you most about coming to Atlanta to start training camp?

A: I am excited to finally be able to come down, meet the team, and showcase some of my skills, while working with one of the most successful WNBA coaches of the game. Coach Cooper knows the game, has a winning culture, and has proven that he has what it takes to make winners out of every team, on every level, in both mens’ and womens’ basketball. I am truly excited for this opportunity with him, as well as being able to work with the other coaches.

May 11, 2015 – Samantha Logic

Q: What have you been doing since the draft to prepare for the start of training camp?

A: Since getting back from the draft, I have been getting in the weight room a couple of times a week along with getting my wind back and getting into shape. I get on the bike for some bike workouts along with some sprint workouts. I have also gotten in some scrimmaging with my old team. Mostly, though, I get in the gym and go through basketball drills, whether it’s shooting or ball handling, which also helps me get back into shape.

Q: What are you trying to finish up at home or school before coming to Atlanta?

A: Well, I graduate the day before training camp opens, so I am getting my last week of classes finished up, and then I’ll start preparing for my finals week with studying and paper-writing for my classes that I need to graduate on May 16. I also have been working on cleaning out my apartment so I can have everything back at home in Wisconsin, besides the things I need when I head down to Atlanta.

Q: What have you learned about the Dream since the draft?

A:I’ve looked over the roster a couple of times, looked at stats and minutes from last year. Just trying to see what the team has and what the team could possibly need. I know that I’ll have to bring whatever is asked of me when I get down there, so I am just waiting until then, because once I get there, numbers and stats don’t matter. It’s an experience I’m blessed to have and I’m excited to get started.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned since the draft about how things work in the WNBA that has surprised you?

A: Nothing has really surprised me, I think because I set my mind to be open to how everything would play out. Everything I learn was going to be new anyway, so I just kept it that way, almost without expectations to be able to experience everything fresh.

Q: What excites you most about coming to Atlanta to start training camp?

A: I’m excited to get down to Atlanta and just compete with the best players in the world. That can only elevate my game physically and mentally. I know I have a lot to learn and there are people in Atlanta that can start me off on my progression.

May 8, 2015 – Ariel Massengale

Q: How did getting drafted impact you personally? Did it have any effect on your daily life?

A: Being drafted was a dream come true for me. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to play professional basketball and I thank God for the abilities He has given me and for allowing me to accomplish all my goals and dreams. It has affected my daily life because everyone that I encounter is very proud of me and congratulates me on my successes.

Q: Are you currently busy finishing up school? If so, can you provide some details about your finals schedule, graduation, etc.?

A: Graduation is today, May 8th! I am SO excited and cannot wait to walk across the stage. I had one final on April 29th and since then I have been finished with school and enjoying my last few days as a college student with friends and teammates.

Q: What have you learned about the Dream since the draft?

A: I have always been a fan of the WNBA and so throughout the years I have watched the Dream play. I have searched through the website with my parents. I have also talked to my fellow rookie Brittany Hrynko and we are very excited about the fact of being in Atlanta, and possibly being teammates with one another. Coach Cooper is a fantastic coach and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be able to work with him.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned since the draft about how things work in the WNBA that has surprised you, or that are different than in college?

A: I have not learned of any information as of yet that has surprised me. I am sure there is a lot of information about the WNBA that I am not aware of, but I am very eager to get to Atlanta and meet the staff and team and start this wonderful journey of winning a championship.

Q: What was the best part of being drafted by the Dream?

A: The best part of being drafted by the Dream is playing for a top-notch organization! Atlanta is a great city with a fantastic fan base. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue my dream. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and I cannot wait to get there and experience all that the city and team has to offer!

May 7, 2015 – Brittany Hrynko

Q: What have you been doing since the draft to prepare for the start of training camp?

A: I have been at home working out trying to stay in tip-top shape so that when I get to training camp I won’t be that tired.

Q: What are you trying to get done before coming to Atlanta?

A: Before coming to Atlanta, I am trying to finish up with school. Unlike everyone else, I am not done with school until June. The good thing is I only have two classes and they both are on-line, but I just finished one of them so I have one left and I am trying to finish that off as well. I am also trying to finish spending time with my family, especially my nephew, because I do not know when I will see him again.

Q: What have you learned about the Dream since the draft?

A: I have been watching a lot of games of the Atlanta Dream. I have noticed that they are a veteran team and I have also noticed that Coach Cooper is BIG on defense, running the floor, and also scoring the ball. I think this is similar to what I have been doing in college, but I am 100 percent sure that at this level I will have to bring my “A” game to keep up with these vets.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned since the draft about how things work in the WNBA that has surprised you?

A: I think learning about the 401K was most surprising to me. This is because they talked about how it is very important to do as soon as you get there so that you won’t have to worry about it later on down the line.

Q: What excites you most about coming to Atlanta to start training camp?

A: I am most excited to come to training camp and meet the team. I am ready to start this new journey in my life and being able to start it here in Atlanta is going to be beyond exciting. So I can’t wait!

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