Indiana University Athletics
Catching Up with Cyndi Valentin
4/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 21, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As the Indiana women's basketball season drew to a close after an impressive run at the Big Ten Tournament and the WNIT, senior Cyndi Valentin set her sights on the next level. IUHOOSIERS.com caught up with the Bloomington native as she prepares for her next career move.
On April 19, Valentin, along with approximately 40 other talented players from across the country, tried out for one spot on the WNBA's Washington Mystics squad. Although Valentin was not selected, she viewed the experience as one-of-a-kind.
"The tryout went really well," Valentin said. "It was really exciting to compete at that level. I was familiar with a lot of the drills. Growing up, that has always been a dream of mine and it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I wasn't selected, but the experience was really great opportunity."
After testing the waters of the WNBA, the first team All-Big selection credits much of her preparedness to the physical conference play she encountered in the Big Ten the last four seasons.
"The pace was similar to what is played in the Big Ten," Valentin said. "It was definitely physical, and the Big Ten is one of the most physical conferences in the country. Everyone in Big Ten is a great player and there were no easy games. Those are aspects that are definitely going to help me as I make the transition to the next level."
Valentin, who set the NCAA Division I record for the most consecutive free throws made in a season with 61 against Northwestern on Jan. 12, hopes to take her game international.
"I am now looking to play overseas," Valentin said. "I have focused a lot of my attention on finishing up at IU and my tryout with the Mystics, so my plans are still being worked out. I am going to talk with my agent and see what my options are from here."
Valentin, who participated in the 2005 Big Ten foreign tour and competed on the Puerto Rican National Team at the FIBA Americas Championship last year, plans on getting more international playing experience this summer.
"I plan on competing with the Puerto Rican National Team again this summer," Valentin said. "It was a great experience last year and it will help me get more experience, especially at the international level."
Although Valentin's schedule has been full lately, she shares in IU's excitement for newly-appointed head coach Felisha Legette-Jack.
"I heard about the hiring of Coach Jack," Valentin said. "I was sorry I couldn't be there, but I read over her credentials and she sounds great. I am so happy for the team. I know it's been a challenging time for the team, but now they will have some guidance and can pick up where we left off last season. I am definitely excited for the future of Indiana women's basketball."
Valentin no doubt has a bright future ahead of her, but as the life-long Bloomington native prepares to move on she reflects on her four seasons at IU.
"My time at Indiana has been great," Valentin said. "I will miss my teammates and the many friendships I made while at IU. I learned so much from playing here that I will always take with me. Last season was really special and I learned so much that I will take with me wherever I go."
