Charles Barkley might not want to be a child's role model, but it's something Natalie Williams relishes.
While the idea of sports stars as mentors sort of evolved in most sports through the natural process of fans passing on their adoration and loyalty to their children, in the WNBA it was the plan from the beginning for several reasons.
First, there was marketing. If kids want to grow up to be like Lisa Leslie, then they'll likely buy the Los Angeles center's jersey, watch her play and support the still struggling six-year-old league.
Second was to create a connection between the players and the fans; and third was to create genuine opportunities for athletes to serve the communities in which they play. And while some players feel a little uneasy about the probing into their personal life, most say they're grateful for the opportunity to repay some of the benefits they've reaped from athletics.
"I don't mind it," said Utah's first female Olympic Gold medalist and Starzz forward, Williams. "I think it goes along with the job. I really enjoy meeting the fans."
Williams, a two-time All-Star and member of the U.S. National Team, received the league's community service award for her offseason work. Both she and Jennifer Azzi spent significant time in Salt Lake City making appearances ranging from basketball camps for young girls to visits with sick or disabled children. Williams devotes a lot of attention to reading and literacy, while Azzi's causes include fitness and nutrition.
Other players around the league also offer time, money and their new-found fame in hopes of improving life for people in all walks of life.
"I think it just comes with the territory," said Charlotte Sting's Dawn Staley, who began an after-school program for middle school-aged children and sponsors a picnic in a local park "just to say thank you" each year.
"For me, the WNBA didn't bring that out in me, it was just in me to give back," the point guard said. "Sports helped me, and the league helped me by giving me a platform."
Her Philadelphia neighborhood was so proud of her and so grateful for her help, the community painted a seven-story portrait of the All-Star and former Olympian that overlooks her old neighborhood. Staley said she feels obliged to give back to her fans and the community at large because of what she learned growing up where she did.
"It was just my neighborhood, my family upbringing," she said with a shrug. "We take care of our own, and that's just what I'm trying to do."
WNBA president Val Ackerman said the players are involved in many causes on their own in addition to those opportunities created by the league, like the partnership with Sears to improve Breast Health Awareness. She said the league uses those efforts in marketing because the fans want to know more about the players than their statistics.
"I think what makes our players interesting is what kind of people they are," Ackerman said. "Our fans are interested in things like what kinds of books they read, what their hobbies are. We want to make sure the players and the fans have the right kind of connection."
In Utah, that connection is nurtured by a number of programs including one that offered teachers the opportunity to learn how to use the Starzz players as role models in teaching classroom lessons. The Deseret News' Newspapers in Education program held a seminar in June for about 100 teachers, who were given instructions and materials that will help them use the players as role models. While some may question the use of athletes as role models, the teachers who attended say it will help keep the children interested while they learn important lessons.
Tracy Hansen brought her 13-year-old daughter, Emilee Belnap, and two friends to a Starzz game for her birthday.
"Absolutely the athletes are good role models for kids," said the Bountiful mom.
Steve and Linda Bown from Alpine are front-row season ticketholders and believe that bringing their teenage daughter every game helps her confidence in all areas of her life, including sports.
"I think people like Jennifer Azzi, Natalie Williams, they know her now and they say hello, and it makes her feel good, important," said Linda Bown. "I think it teaches her that whatever she wants to do, sing, play basketball, she can do it."
Adds Steve Bown, "They've made little girls' dreams come true."
E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com