Sacramento Monarchs draftee Courtney Paris is a 6-4 center from Oklahoma. She is a three-time Associated Press First-Team All-American and the 2007 Associated Press Player of the Year. She is a two-time Big 12 Player of the Year and three-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. During her four-year Sooner career, she averaged 20.2 points, 14.9 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.

How would you characterize your emotions going into the Draft?
"I was so nervous but at the same time excited, and I just wanted to know where I was going. Now, I couldn't be happier to know that I'm going to Sacramento."

What was going through your mind when WNBA President Donna Orender called your name?
"I was just really happy. You work your whole life to have this opportunity. I remember being a little girl and being from California, my first game was a Sacramento Monarchs game and I thought, 'man, I want to play this game one day.' Now that I'm going to have that opportunity to go play at the same place where I watched my first game is pretty amazing to me."

After growing up in the Bay Area, how excited are you to begin your pro career in Sacramento?
"I'm really excited, but I think my dad might be more excited! He reached over to me and hugged me and said 'I get to go to every one of your games!' Hopefully, I earn a spot on the team and that happens."

How much of an impact has your dad, who won three Super Bowls with the 49ers, and your family had on your development as a basketball player?
"I think family is so important and the number one thing is just their support, knowing that no matter what happens, you can lose a game or win a game, they're going to be there for you. I think that's the most important thing. I come from a unique situation, where my dad played professional athletics at the highest level and he knows what it means to compete and what it takes to make it at that level. I've been lucky to have him talking in my ear throughout my career, and I'm lucky to get to this point."

You've had the opportunity to play with your twin sister, Ashley, for much of your life, what do you anticipate it will be like to possibly face her, rather than play with her? Note - Ashley was drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Sparks.
"It's going to be hard and it's definitely going to be different but, at the same time, I feel like even though we went to the same school together and we're so close, we have grown independent of each other and we're able to support each other. So I feel like that's the same thing we'll do throughout our WNBA careers."

One of the first things you said in your interview on ESPN2 was that you want be consistent, what will be essential for you be consistent?
"The number one thing I have to do is get my body right. That means nutrition, getting more fit and preparing to play at a different pace. That's something I prepared for in college and now something I'm going to do for the WNBA. Also, just keep working every day in the gym and continue to develop my offensive options, like scoring away from the basket and other things."

What is your training goal heading into training camp?
"The best thing that could've ever happened was to watch my sister, Ashley, transform her body. Now I know, hey, it's possible. I lost 10 pounds throughout the course of our season and I'm still working to lose more weight. I'm finished with school, so that's going to be my number one focus while getting ready for training camp."

You set a women's NCAA record for consecutive double-doubles (122), how do you feel like you can best begin a new streak in the WNBA?
"I can't promise that streak just yet! But I hope sooner than later in my career, it's something I'm able to consistently do for that team, and help my team win."

What is your message to Monarchs fans?
"I'm so excited to be back in California. I'm so excited to play for Monarchs fans. You should know I'm 100 percent committed to getting my body ready, getting my mind ready and I'm excited to help the Monarchs win! Hopefully, I can make an impact on the team."