The Presidents DC Adventures... Mercury President That Is

Earlier this month, I received an e-mail from the Secretary of Homeland Security, yes our own guest coach and former Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano, saying she wanted to attend the Mercury game. I was thrilled! It’s always fun when I have the opportunity to travel with the team and it never leaves me short of entertaining anecdotes.

As I was headed to DC to meet up with the Mighty Mercury, I couldn’t help but think of the girls and be thankful that I’m 5’4” instead of well over six feet like Tangela, DeWanna, and Nicole as I sat on an airplane stuffed to the gills. As soon as I arrived, I met up with the team to take the bus over to the Verizon Center and had the pleasure hearing of Bridget’s traffic policing play-by-play as the bus tried to make its way across three lanes of oncoming traffic. I thought she was going to get out and direct traffic herself… Classic Bridget.

I joined Secretary Napolitano, friends and, of course, secret service for dinner prior to the game. She wanted to know all about the players, our record and the happenings in Phoenix. Plus, I got to ask her questions about her new boss. Yes, the President. I’m happy to report she is doing great, looks great, and definitely misses her Arizona “people.”

We walked from dinner to the Verizon Center and the ways just “parted.” The power of the secret service never ceases to amaze! We were whisked into the arena and down to the floor level just as the national anthem was being sung by Sheila Johnson, owner of the Mystics. Their guest singer had to cancel at the last minute, so they quickly enlisted Sheila just prior to the game! I may have to put Mr. Sarver on standby if we ever have a similar situation.

The Secretary was decked out in her Mercury shirt and let her hometown team pride show. She was greeted by our team, including Coach Corey and Diana giving her a salute from the bench before the game and then stopping to visit during a break. The game was exciting, back and forth and ended with the best outcome… Our first road win.

Albeit short, it was a great trip to the nation’s capital!