In her own words: Tamika Catchings on the playoffs, a legacy, and the future

Last night in Connecticut Tamika Catchings wrapped up her "Legacy Tour," making stops in every WNBA city, meeting the fans in a postgame celebration of her career, and making a $2,000 donation to various charitable organizations in each city.

The whole concept of the tour speaks to the person Catchings is; instead of just having her amazing career celebrated like most going into retirement do, it was more important to her to give back to the WNBA communities and fans.

Prior to last night's game with the Connecticut Sun, I talked with Catchings one on one. What you find here is our chat, uncut as all our "In her own words" interviews are. I point this out, because when Catchings talks about the future, and helping children, you can hear the excitement in her voice.

Catchings the WNBA legend is embarking on a new chapter in her life, and she is absolutely determined to make an even bigger impact than that of her basketball career. And make no mistake, her basketball career has made a huge impact.

Her impact can be found in Indiana, where the Fever thrive not too long after they were in financial difficulties. In the praise and comments in arenas everywhere, from players' comments in tributes and the fans coming out to see her.

Yesterday at halftime, as the two teams were headed toward the locker room, a voice rang out from the crowd, I'm not sure where from, but it was that of an older woman.  Up until then, the crowd had been yelling at the referees and imploring the Sun to pick up their game.

That one voice yelled, "We love you Tamika!"

What better tribute can a player have than that?  We are going to miss you Catch.