Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/297393
CHICAGO SKY GUA R D/ FORWA R D ELENA DELLE DONNE IS everywhere these days: on the court, where she's preparing to kick off her second season in the WNBA; on the sides of buses, advocating f lu shots for the Chicago Department of Public Health; on ESPN, being lauded as the WNBA's 2013 rookie of the year; and sporting her EDD11 logo on a custom line of apparel by Nike, one of her many sponsors. But for this 24 -year-old native of Wilmington, Delaware, being in the spotlight is about something much larger: She's using her renown to bring awareness to causes like the fight against Lyme disease, which has aff licted her since college, and the Special Olympics, for which she was just named a global ambassador. "More than anything, I knew that when I became a pro I wanted to do something with the spotlight and be able to give back," Delle Donne says. "Now I'm in that position." Proudest achievement: We had an incredible season [last year], and I'm very proud of how we did as a team. We made history by getting to the playoffs for the first time. My hope for the game of basketball: That one day girls won't have to go overseas to make money [playing basketball]; they'll be able to stay here and grow their own brands in America. That's a big reason I decided to stay here in the offseason, so hopefully I'll be able to have an impact on that. Biggest hero: My sister [who is mentally and physically handicapped]. When she was born, my parents were told that she wouldn't be able to walk or even lift her head up, but she is an extremely strong person and has never let anything hold her back. She does the most with her God-given abilities, and that's something I try to do also. My style: Business casual—colored skinny jeans and a classy top. I like Banana Republic: I'm 6-foot-5, so sometimes it's difficult to find clothes that fit, so I find the right brands and stick to them. ELENADELLEDONNE On and off the basketball court, the WNBA's rookie of the year is shooting to make a difference. 140 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 134-141_MA_FEAT_PP_May/June_14.indd 140 4/14/14 1:04 PM