February 7, 2007 • Colorado Springs, Colorado and Columbus, Ohio

When last we saw her, Katie Smith was trying to both bask in her first WNBA title and get past the disappointment of her first non-gold medal finish in international competition since 1997. She added the ‘06 WNBA crown to her trophy case, which also includes a pair of Olympic and World Championship gold medals and an additional two league titles from her stint in the now-defunct ABL. She also brought home the first bronze medal of her storied international career.

Smith, who donned her first USA Basketball uniform in 1993 after leading Ohio State to the NCAA title game as a freshman, has suited up for her country 11 of the past 14 years. She's represented the stars and stripes all over Europe, Brazil, Japan, China, Australia, Canada ... you name the country, as long as they have some good competition, Smith has most likely been there. Because of that it should come as no surprise that in the off-season, the Logan, Ohio, native can be found working out and chillin in Columbus. Yeah, she goes back to Detroit for appearances or does other light travel. But for the most part Smith leaves the passport stamping to her USA Basketball stints.

Since we know where to find Katie, we thought we'd drop in on her, figuratively (she's great at responding to our emails), to see what she's been doing since returning from Brazil in September and she was more than gracious with her time for USA Basketball.com.

What are you doing these days? Still taking classes? Working out with the OSU team?
Right now I am taking classes to keep this brain functioning and getting back in the swing of playing and lifting so I will be ready for the season! I don't play much with the OSU team but I am around a decent amount checking in on them!

What kind of dog do you have and what's his/her name?
I have a goldendoodle!!!! He is a golden retriever standard poodle mix :) He is an awesome dog and his name is Logan.

Are you still looking at dentistry and if so, when will you start dental school?
I am still looking at dentistry. I will try and start Dental School when my playing days are over.

When did you start playing basketball and did you think back then you'd be where you are now?
I started playing basketball in the fifth grade on an all boys team. I never thought that basketball would be a career, but thankfully we had the opportunity to continue to do what we love when the ABL and WNBA came into existence.

What does it take to win an Olympic gold medal?
To win a gold medal you have to play hard and play smart. Every team brings a different style to the table and you have to be able to adjust from game to game. Also, the attitude of doing whatever it takes to win, whether that means playing 30 minutes or zero ... to scoring or defending. The selflessness is a huge part. It's all about the team, not the individual.

Who did you look up to in the game when you were growing up?
I didn't really look up to anyone when it came to basketball. I liked to learn a little something from everyone but there was no one single person who drove me to play basketball.

What do you like to do when you're away from the court?
I like to spend time with family and friends. Also take walks with my dog and just being active. I like to enjoy the simple things of life!

What's the most memorable moment for you in basketball?
My most memorable was winning my first Olympic gold medal in Sydney (2000)!

What has been some of your favorite memories through the years with USA Basketball, both on and off the court?
My favorite memories on the court are winning two gold medals in the 2000, 2004 Olympics. Off the floor is just the day-to-day interactions with your teammates and staff. There is never a dull moment and it's fun to get to know people for more than just basketball.

With the pressure of having to qualify for the Olympics by winning gold at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship in Chile this year, what do you think the USA needs to do to make sure that's done or what do you think will be the most difficult aspect of that tournament?
I think the most difficult aspect for us is just having the time to get together and train so that we are all on the same page going into the tournament. I think we need to keep playing the way we have but also have that sense that we need to treat each game as if it were the gold medal game.

And now for the fun stuff ...

• What's the last song you listened to? I can't remember.....I have been listening to Sports Talk radio
  
• Your favorite non-sports web site? I barely check my email!!!!
  
• What do you miss most about home when you're overseas? My loved ones and my Doodle!!!! Woof Woof
  
• What's the last book you read? Memoirs of a Geisha
  
• Favorite magazine? ESPN the Magazine
  
• Favorite musician/singer? Ciara
  
• What's the most interesting place you've been to in all your international travels? Cuba
  
• Favorite international city? Sydney, Australia
  
• Favorite international cuisine? Greek
  
• First thing you HAVE to have when you return to the U.S.? Steak