04/09/2006

Shimek ready to learn

WNBA rookie begins training camp April 23

BY JEFF PEEK

jpeek@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Liz Shimek is living a dream — in more ways that one.

The former Glen Lake all-state basketball player said Friday that she is anxious to start the next phase of her life as a member of the WNBA's Houston Comets.

"I'm really excited about everything — how much I'm going to learn, how much I'm going to grow," Shimek said. "I've never lived outside the state of Michigan. I've never really lived on my own before. It's going to be fun."

The 6-foot-1 Shimek, a Michigan State senior who turns 22 on May 25, was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday and then traded to Houston 10 minutes later.

"The whole day was amazing," Shimek said. "I had my mind set on going to Phoenix and did all the media interviews, then I found out I'd been traded.

"It was strange, but I'm looking forward to what's next."

What's next is rookie orientation beginning April 20. Then the Comets' training camp starts on April 23.

According to the WNBA's rookie pay scale, Shimek is scheduled to be paid $32,860 this season, which runs about four months. Houston's first preseason game is May 3. The Comets' regular season schedule begins May 21 vs. San Antonio and ends Aug. 12 against Seattle.

"Not many people get paid for something they love to do," said Shimek, who is finishing off a degree in business management. "Basketball was always in the back of my mind.

"Now I'm moving to a different state and I'll be on my own. It's exciting."

Shimek is also scheduled to be married to Luke Moeggenberg on Oct. 21 in Empire.