All Access: Maya Moore Reading Timeout





Kyle Ratke
Web Editorial Associate

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When most young students see professional athletes on the TV screen, they dont realize all the hard work that went into what that particular athlete is doing.

The children at Jefferson Elementary found out first hand last Friday from Lynx All-Star Maya Moore that she worked tirelessly on the hardwood, but also in the classroom. Moore, along with Lynx Radio play-by-play voice Alan Horton, read to the class and talked about how important reading still is in their daily life.

Hearing us share our experience makes it more real for them, Moore said. That success didnt just happen. Especially the book that I brought them today.

That book happened to be Dream Big written by Deloris Jordan. The book described Michael Jordans dream, even as a young child, to be a member on the USA Olympic Basketball Team. After years of practice, failures (Jordan was cut from his high school team) and more practice, Jordan finally accomplished his goal.

You probably know the rest of the story. Things ended up pretty well for Jordan.

It went through the process of developing and dreaming and starting where they are and getting to where I am now, Moore said. Its really important for them to really understand that its a process. It doesnt always happen quickly.

After reading to the children, Horton and Moore quizzed the students on the book. The kids werent distracted by the WNBA Champion and answered all the questions correctly. Moore then autographed item posters for the class.

Since joining the Lynx in 2011, Moore has been very active in the community and has been the definition of a positive role model.

Some of our kids dont have type of role models that say go to high school, after high school, go to college, said Onika Nicole Craven, a Lynx Member and a teacher and Jefferson.  (Moore) gave our kids an example of what a positive role model is, so they got a chance to see one today, live and in person.

Expect many trips like this for the Lynx throughout the season. The team is very active in the community, despite having such a hectic schedule during the summer.
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