Forty women to participate in Tulsa Shock open tryouts

Basketball players with dreams of playing in the WNBA are set to tryout for the Tulsa Shock tomorrow at Oral Roberts University.

The first step is getting a training camp invite and the second is making it onto the team’s final roster. With only 11 spots available, chances are slim that any of the participants will get to wear a Shock jersey during the team’s first game on May 15.

“I don’t know what to expect,” said LeAndrea Simmons of Muskogee, Oklahoma. “I’m just going to go in, work hard, play the best I can, pray and hope for the best.”

Simmons played guard for two years at Connor State College before transferring to Northeastern State University for her junior and senior years.

Simmons is one of seven Oklahoma residents participating in the tryout. The others are: Candice Washington, Verressa Gaston, Destanie Gardner, Cristina Yarbrough, Mandy Watie and Jamie Hawkins.

Wachema Cruz from Raleigh N.C. will try to make history as she will attempt to become the first deaf player to earn a spot on a Women’s National Basketball Association roster according to the Shock. 

“Ever since the WNBA got up and running, it’s something I’ve wanted to do,” Simmons said. “It was my dream to see if I could make it and if I don’t, I will continue to support the WNBA because it’s a great opportunity for women.”