CATCHING UP WITH KRYSTAL VAUGHN
By Chris Kowalczyk
1-11-10

Often overshadowed on her own team by VCU wunderkind Quanitra Hollingsworth, Krystal Vaughn stepped out on her own those final days of the 2007-08 season. With Hollingsworth sidelined with a torn Achillies tendon, Vaughn played the best ball of her career to lead the Rams to their first CAA Championship game. In the semifinal against James Madison, Vaughn poured in a game-high 19 points to stun the Dukes, 69-60. She scored 16 and grabbed 10 rebounds the following day as VCU raced to an eight-point halftime lead before falling to Old Dominion, 71-64. That Rams team earned a berth to the WNIT, VCU’s first postseason bid since 1995.

She finished her career with 1,298 points, seventh-most in school history. In 2008 Vaughn became the first VCU Women’s Basketball player to be drafted into the WNBA when the Washington Mystics selected her in the third round. Vaughn played in 15 games and averaged 0.8 points and 1.0 rebounds that year. However, prior to the 2009 season, WNBA rosters were reduced from 13 players to 11, and Vaughn was cut. Since, she’s taken her game to Greece, Israel and Spain. We recently caught up with her.

ATH: Catch us up, how have you been?
KV:  I have been doing well. I’m a blessed individual. Since I was drafted and graduated from VCU, I have suffered from several injuries. My most recent injury almost ended my career. On Sept. 1 2009, the day before I was supposed to go to Saalouis, Germany, I was practicing with the Mystics and was accidently hit in the eyes. I went for a rebound and a player’s middle finger went in my right eye, and the ring and pinky finger went in my left eye. Long story short, I permanently lost full center vision in my right eye. I was out for a month and a half without being able to do any type of exercise or any sports. Doctors told me my basketball career would probably be over. I was at a loss for words. On Nov. 28, I went to Ibiza Spain to practice with the team. Within the next week, I had a great job offer. A week prior to that, I was working out with no contact. I’m just so blessed, because my injury hindered so many teams from signing me! Now I’m averaging 10 points and five rebounds in four games and playing about 12 minutes. I also have the advantage of playing with six-year veteran of Washington Mystics, Nakia Sanford, and an 11-year WNBA vet, Shannon Johnson.

ATH: Spain’s a long way from your hometown of Baltimore. How are you adjusting over there?
KV: I had no trouble adjusting to Spain. I’ve played overseas before in Greece and Israel already. I have a disadvantage when it comes to Spanish, because I don’t know much, but most of the team speaks English. I’m learning basic Spanish pretty quickly. I’m enjoying Spain, especially the water and the beach weather. I always miss my family, but we all understand my job. I did have the chance to see them during the Christmas break.

ATH: I understand you’re living, like, a block from the beach. That’s not bad. It’s freezing here right now.
KV: This Island is beautiful! It’s been a while since I had to experience the snow in Baltimore. They had 20 inches of snow! I was so concerned, but glad I wasn’t there. Again, this weather here is the best!

ATH: Hypothetical. I’m new in Spain and I’m starving. Where should I go to eat and what should I get?
KV: Well, any restaurant on the beach. Nice music, American and Spanish. They are great! They have English menus too! My favorite dishes are the seafood platter, carbonara pasta, and a seafood dish called paella. It is a seafood plate with Mexican rice. Everyone comes to Spain to get this dish.

ATH: Was it difficult when the Washington Mystics released you? How did you find out, and how did you deal with that?
KV: The most difficult part about being released was not having a plan B. I understood the business of being a WNBA player. I saw so many players come and go within that one year. My coach was also fired during the middle of the season. I was unhappy with the injuries I had, and I spent my entire rookie season being developed as a three (small forward).  At VCU I played the four (post or power forward). So, when coming back to training camp the next year, I had little experience as a pro, and I was injured. Plus the new coaching staff didn't really know me. When I was overseas, my agent told me that the WNBA was reducing rosters from 13 to 11 players, which meant 30 players were going to lose jobs. I knew it would be tough getting back in. I only signed a one-year contract. I loved my teammates, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I love playing overseas though. This summer, the team gave me an internship and I was able to develop my game as a guard. It was so good for me. So, who knows what the future holds. I am playing the guard here in Ibiza. I wasn't heartbroken. No tears, just a little stuck!

ATH: What will it take to make it back to the WNBA?
KV: Honestly, I’m not pressed to return to the WNBA. It’s definitely possible. There are players that have been out of the league for years and have come back after getting better experience overseas. You never know what God has planned for you. I’m just doing me and working hard. If given the opportunity, I will take it, because of my passion for basketball. Oh, and a paycheck (laughing). Getting paid to do what you love is easy, although it can be stressful at times.

ATH: What about outside of basketball?
KV: I’m currently working on my physical training certification and partnering up with Jay Brantley, Vice President of Macleem Sportswear. I’m going to be doing marketing, promotions and some modeling for their clothing line. Oh, and the foundation will be coming very soon. www.macleemsportswear.com.

ATH: Last year you were selected as VCU’s “CAA Legend” for the league’s annual banquet. What was that experience like for you?
KV: To be selected as the CAA legend for VCU was an honor. I was probably the youngest legend to accept the award from the VCU Women’s Basketball program. I was proud and very thankful. It was my coaches who created this legend! To come back and be a positive influence for my teammates was big too! I never would have thought it!

ATH: You were the first person in your family to graduate from college. Can you put into words how important something like that is?
KV: It was huge for me. It gives my family hope. I proved to my parents and siblings that it could be done. I want to continue to be a positive remodel for them. I don’t want praise or to be worshiped, just to be a positive influence, so my family can be successful at anything they do!

ATH: You actually had to miss your VCU graduation because of the Mystics schedule, but the team, your family and VCU Coach Beth Cunningham pulled together a surprise ceremony for you. How emotional was that day?
KV: That ceremony was beautiful but quick! I had no clue what was going to happen. I was warming up and getting ready to play, when former Ram Maria Giovannetti came to me and told me to come with her. I walked towards the camera and saw Coach Cunningham, who was smiling from ear to ear. All of my family and friends stood up, and I was shocked. Coach Cunningham and Sheila Johnson, the owner of the Mystics, presented me with my degree in front of the fans. It was special because I was so upset about not walking across the stage [at graduation].

ATH: Krystal, you overcame quite a bit to get where you are today. Do you ever stop for a second and pinch yourself?
KV:  No, I just thank God every day. I believe my blessings are for me, and I struggled for reasons only God knows. I’m 23, still young and looking forward to accomplishing so much more in life. Oh, and my book will come out in a couple years. Thanks

ATH: Any New Year’s resolutions?
KV: No resolutions, just strive to make someone smile everyday and continue to accomplish my goals.

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