SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Megan Vogel, former South Dakota State
University standout basketball player, has accepted an internship
with the Washington Mystics, the WNBA team that waived her on the
final day of cuts before Saturday's season opener.
Vogel will train and practice with the team, help the coaches
with scouting reports and film breakdowns, live in the team
apartment, drive a team car, have access to the Mystics' training
facilities -- and earn a paycheck.
"Are you upset when it doesn't go your way? Yeah," Vogel said.
"But that's all the more reason to work harder. I see this as an
opportunity to work."
She said that in 11 years around the league, her agent has never
before had a player receive such an offer.
"It can only mean good things," Vogel said. "If nothing else,
just being around these type of players every day."
Vogel was the 19th overall pick in last month's WNBA draft and
the first South Dakota college player ever selected.
The Mystics kept 12 players on the team roster rather than the
league maximum of 13.
"She's just so fundamental, a complete player," Mystics
general manager Linda Hargrove said. "But (second-year forward)
Tamara James is a little bit better. She has a year of experience
in the league and overseas. Megan could come back a year from
now."
Many variables go into making up a team, Vogel said.
She said she understands that roster spots get filled based on
business decisions and does feel good about having a chance to play
in the WNBA after a recent conversation with Mystics Coach Richie
Adubato. She said Adubato told her there's no question she has a
chance to play in the league.
Vogel said if someone gets hurt or underperforms, she still
could get picked up by a team.
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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com