Chamique Holdsclaw quotes:

I've always been a step ahead. A lot of people haven't experienced the things I've experienced, and made me a stronger person. The life I've been exposed to has let me know what step to take and how not to go back a step. I take life one day at a time, and I prepare myself for each one of those days.

It's an honor to be considered in the same breath, but I'm not Michael Jordan. I'm the first Chamique Holdsclaw. And I think that's where the women's game has to get to, when women are recognized on their own.

I just like to win basketball games. That's what motivates me.

I don't know if I'm the best. There are better shooters, better defenders, but there aren't too many female who play the game like I do.

I'm a confident player, I know I can score. I don't think anyone can guard me consistently off the dribble. But I'm a team player.

I just play basketball. I'm athletic. Skinny but strong, tall but quick.

I'm kind of a quiet leader, and I just try to lead by example. But then sometimes you have to say something.

I know what makes me happy. I know what makes me miserable. I'm trying to stay on the happy side.

The one thing I've always done is work hard. That's not going to change.

When you struggle, that's when you realize what you're made of, and that's when you realize what the people around you can do. You learn who you'd want to take with you to a war, and who you'd only want to take to lunch.

I never get used to the response that people have toward me.

One thing I've become is introspective.

I think I have a great sense of me as a person.

I wasn't going to be average.

I just go out there and play basketball. God's given me the ability. The only thing I can do is go out and play.

I want to be different from anyone ever.

My teammates know I'm down to earth. I'll joke with them. But when it comes to basketball, I try to be serious about it.

A lot of times people say, 'You act like a grandmother, you're just totally laid back, nothing bothers you.'

I always promised myself that if I was in position to be successful, I wouldn't take it for granted, because I know in the past how hard I've worked.

I realize I'm a free spirit. I like to be happy. I have to have more control of my happiness.