Kamila Vodichkova

Kamila Vodichkova (born December 19, 1972) is a Czech women's basketball player who plays internationally and in the WNBA. The 6'4" center/forward was the first draft choice of the Seattle Storm, and one of the keys to its 2004 championship. She currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury.

Related Topics:
December 19 - 1972 - Czech - Basketball - WNBA - Seattle Storm - 2004 - Phoenix Mercury

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Born in Litom??ice, Vodichkova was a dominant player on the Czech circuit. The Storm made her the first draft choice of the franchise, a move Vodichkova that caused Vodichkova some initial concern. However, after being quickly embraced by the Seattle fans, the redubbed "Vodka" became the centerpiece of the offense, with Edna Campbell as the outside threat. The team did not improve from its initial poor showings until Vodichkova got a running mate inside, Australian Lauren Jackson.

Related Topics:
Litom??ice - Edna Campbell - Lauren Jackson

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In the 2004 season, Vodichkova was faced with a tough choice, as her home country's Olympic team demanded that she skip the WNBA season if she wanted to play in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Vodichkova refused to go home, and the decision proved prescient, as the Storm ran to a championship that year.

Related Topics:
Olympic - 2004 Summer Olympics - Championship

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The cash-strapped Storm lost three of its marquee players after the championship, with Vodichkova going to the Phoenix Mercury. Despite strong play from Vodichkova, Penny Taylor, Anna DeForge, Maria Stepanova, and Diana Taurasi, the Mercury missed the playoffs in 2005.

Related Topics:
Phoenix Mercury - Penny Taylor - Anna DeForge - Maria Stepanova - Diana Taurasi - 2005

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