Hi Guys,

I hope everyone has enjoyed their turkey day and are getting in the mood for the holiday season. I have to say, my Thanksgiving was awesome this year!

Some of my close friends and teammates came by to eat and hang out with me at my home. It’s always hard during this time since we are all away from our families. However, we surely enjoy each other’s company and make the most of it.

This year, Lisa, my bestie, came over and threw down in the kitchen as always. I added my two cents with my infamous banana pudding recipe that my aunt gave me. I must say, it was a success and had days of Thanksgiving left overs.

When we last talked, I explained how exciting it is to play against friends and my teammates of the New York Liberty. My first match was against Essence Carson (Istanbul Universities) in Turkish League play. I thought it was a challenging match but we held on to win the game. The atmosphere was great and I look forward to seeing her on their home floor.

Last night, I got the pleasure to play against Plenette Pierson (Good Angels) in Euroleague competition. This game came down to the wire but again, we prevailed. I love my sisters and enjoy competing against them in different uniforms but I am truly glad we’re all in it together.

This year, in Turkey, there is no time to enjoy the holidays in the States because we will be playing. There is no break. This is one of the hardest parts sometimes but honestly I have to play because of contractual obligations. I know my family understands and we will make up for it in due time.

Lastly, I’m excited to say my birthday is coming soon and I’ll be turning the big “30.” I have to bring it in with a big bang! Thinking of ideas and plans right now as I write.

If you have any ideas feel free to Twitter them to me @Cappa23. Although I’m nervous about leaving my twenties, my friends keep saying “the thirties are the new twenties.” Definitely have to laugh at this one but I am blessed to say I’m almost able to reach that age.

Well, until then…we chat again.

I love you guys and make sure you’re always smiling and spreading love the right way.

CP23
www.facebook.com/CappiePondexter

WOW, WHAT AN AWESOME SUMMER I EXPERIENCED THIS YEAR WITH THE NEW YORK LIBERTY. WE WERE THE ONLY TEAM WITH A LOSING RECORD WHO MANAGED TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. I’M MENTIONING THIS BECAUSE WE WENT FROM BEING THE LAST PLACE TEAM IN THE EAST…TO TIEING FOR THIRD…TO EVENTUALLY SECURING THE LAST PLAYOFF SPOT!

IN THE 2ND HALF OF THE SEASON, WE FINISHED WITH THE 2ND OVERALL BEST RECORD IN THE WNBA, WHICH IN MY OPINION SHOWED THE HARD WORK, TOUGHNESS AND DETERMINATION AS A TEAM. AS THE TEAM LEADER, I REDIRECTED ALOT OF MY TIME AND EFFORTS INTO MAKING MYSELF BETTER AS WELL FOR THE TEAM! UNFORTUNATELY WE WERE ELIMINATED IN THE 1ST ROUND BUT WE GAVE ALL THAT WE COULD!

AS A PROFESSIONAL WOMEN BASKETBALL PLAYER, THERE IS LITTLE ROOM FOR RECOVERY. I HAD TO JUMP ON A PLANE AND HEAD TO ANOTHER TEAM IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. THE TEAM THAT I’M CURRENTLY PLAYING FOR IS FENERBACHE KOLUBU IN ISTANBUL. NOT ONLY DID I LEAVE NY BUT ALSO I WAS QUICKLY THROWN INTO A VERY IMPORTANT GAME THAT KICKS OFF THE SEASON HERE IN TURKEY, WHICH IS THE PRESIDENT’S CUP. LAST YEAR’S FINALISTS FACING OFF TO WIN THE 1ST CUP OF THE YEAR AND HAVE THE BRAGGING RIGHTS UNTIL THE NEXT CUP IS UPON US.

HERE IN EUROPE, I COMPETE FOR TWO LEAGUES; ONE BEING THE TURKISH LEAGUE WHERE WE TRAVEL ALL AROUND TURKEY. THE OTHER BEING, THE EUROLEAGUE WHERE WE (MY TEAM) TRAVEL ALL AROUND EUROPE COMPETING FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. IT’S THE ULTIMATE BECAUSE I LOVE TO TRAVEL AND EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT CULTURES WHILE DOING WHAT I LOVE (BASKETBALL).

LIVING IN ISTANBUL AND NEW YORK IS THE GREATEST FEELING. TWO SIDES OF THE WORLD BUT LIVING THE SAME LIFESTYLE AND VIBE. ISTANBUL AND NEW YORK ARE SO SIMILAR IN TERMS OF SHOPPING, LIFESTYLE, NIGHT LIFE AND DINING EXPERIENCES. I ENJOY BOTH PLACES TO BE HONEST.

THIS YEAR, I AM PLAYING IN A TOTALLY NEW ARENA! I LITERALLY CAN WALK FROM MY HOME TO THE ARENA, WHICH IS TIRING, BUT DEFINITELY A PLUS COMPARED TO OTHER PLAYERS LOL.

JOBS CHANGE SO MUCH IN WOMEN BASKETBALL THAT YOU MEET AND SEE SO MANY OF YOUR BASKETBALL FRIENDS. THIS YEAR IT’S GREAT BECAUSE I GET THE CHANCE TO SEE SO MANY OF MY NEW YORK LIBERTY TEAMMATES AND 4SEASON CLIENTS. I.E ESSENCE CARSON IS PLAYING HERE IN TURKEY, PLENETTE PIERSON I’M PLAYING AGAINST IN EUROLEAGUE, KIA VAUGHN IS HERE PLAYING AGAINST OUR RIVAL TEAM GALA AND I WILL GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW HER AROUND MY CITY HERE IN ISTANBUL. THIS IS ALWAYS THE BEST. I LOVE TO SEE THEM AND CATCH UP ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE TO LEAVE NEW YORK AND COMPETE FOR OTHER TEAMS SO QUICKLY.

MY BIGGEST INSPIRATION OUTSIDE OF BASKETBALL IS MY COMPANY… 4SEASON STYLE MANAGEMENT IS MY COMPANY WITH A BUSINESS PARTNER. IT’S MY BABY, MY 2ND LOVE AND SOMETHING I ADMIRE AND TREASURE. OF COURSE, ITS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO ALWAYS BE PRESENT FOR DIFFERENT SHOOTS, PULLS, ETC ETC BUT I LOVE DOING MY PART WITH ARTIST & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, CREATIVE INPUT AND BRINGING THE BEST I CAN. THIS SUMMER, I WAS PROUD TO SEE MY COMPANY’S GROWTH FROM ONE CLIENT TO OVER A DOZEN AND GROWING RANGING FROM ATHLETES, RECORDING ARTISTS, MODELS AND PRODUCT LINES.

OF COURSE, WHEN I’M IN EUROPE MY PART BECOMES A LITTLE DIFFERENT BUT I’M STILL VERY MUCH ACTIVE IN DAILY DECISIONS. THIS IS WHY I THANK GOD FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY. THIS IS WHERE I BECOME AN INTERNET JUNKY!! I FELL IN LOVE WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT BLOGS AND SHOPPING WEBSITES. I CREATE NEW IDEAS AND COME UP WITH DIFFERENT INSPIRATIONS FOR EDITORIALS AND FOR OUR CLIENTS. I LOVE FASHION AND I ENJOY BECOMING BETTER FOR THE COMPANY’S GROWTH PROCESS.

THIS YEAR, I PLAN TO DO ALOT MORE SHOOTING HERE IN EUROPE THAN WE HAVE EVER DONE SO I’M DEFINITELY EXCITED ABOUT THIS…

LAST BUT NOT LEAST I WANTED YOU GUYS TO KNOW EVEN THOUGH I’M STILL PLAYING IN EUROPE FOR ANOTHER TEAM. I’M MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY GETTING READY FOR A HUGE YEAR IN NEW YORK. I’M EXCITED ABOUT HAVING BILL LAIMBEER JOIN US AND I’M MORE THEN CONFIDENT HE WILL MAKE US A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, CREATE THE ENERGY YOU WANT TO HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!!!!

CP23

PIC# 1 alexander wang one of my fav jackets from his colllection. felt inspired after i saw it

PIC#2 IVE SEEN ALL TYPES OF LV STORES NEXT TO PARIS THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE PRETTIEST IVE SEEN

pic#3 TITLED CHURCH ON THE BLOOD…VERY HISTORIC CHURCH IN EKATERINBURG’S HISTORY…VERY PRETTY AT NIGHT

PIC#4 BEAUTIFUL BUILDING IN PRAGUE

PIC#5 OUTSIDE VENDOR EATING IN PRAGUE.. CUP WAS FULL OF HOT WINE WHICH WAS PRETTY TASTY AND THE CHOCOLATE THING IM NOT TO SURE OF BUT WAS TASTY!!

PIC#7 SAB(TRAINER, ANETE, Y, AND TWEETY ARRIVING TO PRAHA AND ME TAKING THE PIC

PIC#8 OUR TEAM PLANE

PIC#9 OUR CAPTAIN FOR THIS ROAD TRIP; TEAMMATES

PIC#10 TEAM DINNER RT AFTER OUR LAST RUSSIAN LEAGUE VICTORY

PIC #11 HAHA THOUGHT THIS WAS PRETTY FUNNY DEFINITELY INTERESTING WAY OF TAPING AN ANKLE AT THE ARENA…

PIC#12 LOVED THE SWEATER HAD TO SHOW U THIS…INSPIRATION

HI GUYS,

IM CURRENTLY IN PRAGUE WHERE WE FACE USK PRAGUE EUROLEAGUE TEAM TONIGHT. IT’S GONNA BE  A TOUGH CHALLENGE FOR US BUT AS A COMPETITOR I LOVE TOUGH ONES. WE GOT HERE TWO DAYS EARLY SO WE WERE ABLE TO ENJOY A FULL DAY HERE IN THIS WONDERFUL CITY. BY FAR,  ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE. I WAS ABLE TO BUY FEW THINGS , EXPERIENCE SOME STREET VENDORS, FOODS AND LISTEN TO THE BEAUTIFUL STREETS OF PRAGUE. KINDA SAD TO BE LEAVING TOMORROW MORNING BUT HEY WE’RE GONNA BE IN EVEN BETTER WEATHER.

SINCE I LAST LEFT YOU GUYS WE’VE PLAYED SEVERAL GAMES IN WHICH WE WERE ABLE TO WIN AND SOMEHOW GET BETTER DESPITE OF OUR TEAMS’ EARLY INJURIES. HONESTLY, I’D RATHER HAVE THE INJURIES EARLY THEN LATER. WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST TRAINERS IN THE WORLD IN MY OPINION. SHE DEF TAKES CARE OF US AND I’M GRATEFUL TO HAVE HER. I MUST SAY SINCE IVE BEEN HERE,  THE ANKLE HAS DEFINITELY BEEN GETTING STRONGER AND I’M STARTING TO GET MY FULL RANGE OF MOTION BACK WITHOUT HAVING PAIN SO ITS ALWAYS A PLUS.

THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY GOOD THINGS OUT IN TERMS OF MUSIC AND FASHION. IVE DEFINITELY HAVE BEEN GOING SWEATER CRAZY, LEATHER CRAZY AND BOOT CRAZY. LOL, BUT IM ALWAYS CRAZY WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION.

ONE OF THE COOLEST THINGS IVE SEEN IN EVER STORE HAS BEEN FUR AND LOTS OF IT. BEING IN RUSSIA ITS A BONUS AND I CANT WAIT TO GO FUR SHOPPING WITH MY TEAMMATES. DETAILS OF THAT ADVENTURE TO COME LATER. MUSIC WISE IVE BEEN HEARING THE LEAK OF DRAKES ALBUM NOT GONNA EVEN LISTEN TO IT UNTIL IT DROPS ON ITUNES GOTTA SUPPORT ARTIST THE RIGHT WAY THESE DAYS. I GOT THE WALE WHICH DIDN’T DISSAPOINT AT ALL BUT IVE BEEN LISTENING TO CALVIN HARRIS, BINGO PLAYERS PRETTY HEAVY. DANCE HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE GENRES THESE DAYS.

WELL THAT’S ALL I HAVE FOR YOU GUYS THIS TIME AROUND HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR WEEK AND I WILL SPEAK SOON MY LOVES. THANKYOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
BLESSINGS
CAPPA23

pic#1 tweety, cp3 and me at famous lil spot where our team ate after nice win against (bourges) french team

pic#2 wow haha epic meat was pretty tasty

pic#3 one of my fav teammates of all time Y this was her idea

pic#1 known in my family for closets full of clothess, well not so much in ekat! take a look

pic#2 my living room where i like to lounge in when i have guests around!

pic#3 most euro countries are not known for dryers..drying the cloths as you can see euro style!!

pic#4 this is my desk area… usually here on the internet

pic#5 last but not least ‘ fav place to be! lol dinner is served (well not at the moment but soon?) lol

CapTravel

pic#1 another cool resturant where they are famous for their beer and sausages! its called “tinkoff”. have lotta cool shows and events! this pic shows the longest sausage ive ever seen in my life

pic#2 went to a jazz concert.

pic#3 taken at a new russian steakhouse. teammates an i came after a win against st petersburg in our weekly russian league game!

pic#4 pic i took at one of my fav spots in ekat: club D n cafe! they have the best shows in the world

pic#5 this is our club’s offices

pic#6 went to a jazz concert. this photo shows the place where it was held…it means hall of music very cool place

pic#6 another cool resturant where they are famous for their beer and sausages! its called “tinkoff”. have lotta cool shows and events! this pic shows the longest sausage ive ever seen in my life

AS YOU KNOW, THE NY LIBERTY SEASON ENDED UNEXPECTEDLY WITH THE UPSET IN THE 1ST ROUND OF THE EASTEN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS. I DON’T TAKE LOSING VERY WELL SO IT WAS A LITTLE HARD FOR ME TO RECOVER. I WENT TO MY HOME IN CHICAGO AND BEGAN PACKING BECAUSE I KNEW SOON I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE FOR THE USA BASKETBALL EURO TOUR.  I HAD A FEW DOWN DAYS SO I BOOKED A NICE TRIP TO VEGAS TO GET AWAY AND TAKE MY COUSIN AND BROTHER BECAUSE THEY HAD NEVER BEEN THERE. IT WAS A LOAD OF FUN AND GREAT EXPERIENCE.  THE VIRAL VIDEO OF ME HOOPING WITH THE NBA GUYS IN VEGAS WASN’T PLANNED AT ALL. CHAUNCEY BILLIPS INVITED ME TO COME WORK OUT WITH HIM. WE WORKED OUT FOR TWO HRS ON DIFFERENT MOVES AND GOT TONS OF SHOOTING IN. AS WERE FINISHING UP AND IM GETTING READY TO ICE, MYBIG BRO, AL HARRINGTON TELLS ME TO PICK UP A JERSEY AND THAT’S WHERE IT BEGAN. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, U CAN DEFINITELY CATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.

I FLEW FROM NY TO ITALY WHERE THE TOUR BEGAN WITH ONE FULL PRACTICE AND TOUR OF FOUR TEAMS.  (NAPLES)  ITALY THE TEAM THAT HOSTED, VALENICIA (ROS CASARES), (SKIO), ITALY AND OF COURSE, THE USA.  IT WAS A TOUGH TASK WITH JUST SEVEN PLAYERS BUT WE WERE ABLE TO WIN THAT TOURNEY. UP NEXT, OUR TRIP TO VALENICIA..ALTHOUGH, WE LOST TO THIS TEAM, IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. A FEW DAYS LATER WE FLEW TO PRAGUE AND FACED YET ANOTHER CHALLENGING TEAM THAT GOT THE EDGE OVER US AS WELL.

LATER THAT NIGHT WE DROVE TO HUNGARY WHERE WE WOULD FACE SHOPRON AND WOULD END THE USA EURO TOUR. I WAS VERY HAPPY TO LEAVE ON  THE NOTE WITH A WIN BECAUSE WINNING ALWAYS MAKE THE SOUL FEEL GOOD. WE FINISHED THE TOUR OUT 3-2!!! 7 STRONG A BOND THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER BROKEN!

NEXT, I MET MY TEAM  (UMMC) IN GYDNIA POLAND WHERE WE WOULD HAVE OUR 1ST EURO LEAGUE MATCH OF THE SEASON. I DIDNT PLAY BUT MY TEAM FINISHED WITH A WIN ON THE ROAD AND A NICE TRIP BACK TO EKATERINGBURG. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD ACTUALLY MISS THIS PLACE BUT I TRULY DID. I MISSED THE CITY,PEOPLE, FOOD AND MY LOVELY APARTMENT FOR 4 YEARS.  SO MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE I’VE BEEN GONE TO AMERICA. I WILL SEND UPDATES AND TAKE PICS SO U GUYS CAN HELP LIVE OUT MY EXPERIENCE THIS SEASON.

BLESSING

CAPPA23

A pair of Olympic gold medalists, Swin Cash (Seattle Storm) and Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), scored 14 points apiece to lead the 2011 USA Basketball Women’s National Team (3-2) to a 73-63 victory over UNIQA-Euroleasing Sopron in Sopron, Hungary, on Sunday night.

All seven American women scored in a key third-quarter surge that saw the USA, which went into the locker room tied 41-41, outpace the hosts 21-9 and take a 62-50 lead heading into the final stanza.

“It was the complete opposite of the way we started (the second half) the other night,” said Geno Auriemma, 2009-12 USA National Team and University of Connecticut head coach. “There was a much better focus on the defensive end to kind of limit what the other team was doing. Because the defensive stops were there, we were then able to convert that into good offense. I think we took them out of their rhythm. They had a really nice flow offensively in the first half. And then, some defensive things that we did really caused them some problems. We had great ball movement in the third quarter and got open shots. It sounds so simple, but that’s basically what it was.”

For more..http://www.usabasketball.com/womens/national

The season is going well….we lost one game in the first half of the season… (womp womp) …but we’ve just started the second half and are 2-0! We are remaining focused and playing solid basketball, but its going to get intense in about a month when playoffs start.

2nd is the Euroleague where the top teams in Europe square off in the playoff series and then later in the final four.

3rd and last, is the Russian League.  I’m already sweating just talking about it!

The good news is that we’ll have some added power with Candace Parker coming in to the team. Her ability and talent will add much more depth to our already strong roster as we defend last year’s championship tittle.

Translation: I’m Excited!