The 2009 Mystics team was introduced to the crowd prior to the Community Day activities. Photo by John E De Freitas - WI Sports Photo EditorTeam Prepares to Open the Season
Children, families and athletes ages 10 to 18 were invited to join the Mystics and DPR to celebrate basketball, to join the Mystics Youth Summer League, and interact with professional WNBA players. Mystics’ players conducted drills and activities, and participants were invited to sign up for the free Mystics Youth Summer League. Last year’s league featured 27 teams consisting of nearly 300 girls who competed at DPR centers across the District with the championship games held at the Verizon Center. The Mystics open the season on June 6 on the road against the Connecticut Sun, followed by their home opener on Sun., June 7 against the Atlanta Dream.
 Sheila Johnson, president and majority owner of the Mystics, helped serve in the food line that distributed lunches. Johnson encouraged the youth to eat healthy if they wanted to become good athletes. Photo by John E. DeFreitas |
 Newly acquired Mystics guard Kiesha Brown is expected to bring help to the backcourt this season. Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah |
 Washington Mystics rookie forward Marissa Coleman goes up for a shot during preseason play against the New York Liberty on Thurs., May 21 at the Verizon Center. Courtesy Photo |
 Washington Mystics’ all-star guard Alana Beard works on basketball drills with a young fan. Courtesy Photo |