Blodgett sets sights on second WNBA season

BANGOR – Cindy Blodgett came racing into the banquet at Thursday’s Sports Leadership Symposium at Husson College fresh off I-95, so she couldn’t have known what ideas were discussed at the event earlier in the day.

Yet the former UMaine star, now a guard with the WNBA’s Cleveland Rockers, portrayed the kind of role model many at the symposium had spoken about as she answered questions and entertained about 100 guests during the dinner portion of the daylong symposium.

Blodgett, who has been training in Boston with former UMaine teammates, said she decided not to play for money in Europe so she could work on her game more.

Blodgett said in Europe teams practice only a few hours a day and play one game a week, whereas at her residence in Medford, Mass., she can devote virtually all her time to lifting and training.

“Europe wasn’t the right fit,” Blodgett said in an interview. “I could be with my friends [in Boston] or live at home. It’s enjoyable being out of the loop, away from my normal routine here.”

What Blodgett told the audience at the banquet was more pointed. She said in her second season in the WNBA, after a first year spent mostly on the bench, she intends to excell. She is doing everything she can to make sure she does.

“I want to play more next year, so that is what drives me,” Blodgett said.

Blodgett hopes her eight-month offseason ends with the Rockers protecting her, rather than her being left up for grabs during next spring’s expansion draft.

She likes Cleveland. She lives minutes from the gym and, after a year of experience, she’s eager to prove herself.

When asked if she looks up to fellow guard and team leader Suzie McConnell Serio, Blodgett said she does not – because she wants Serio’s starting spot.

And, when asked what advice she would give to younger girls, Blodgett said what many coaches at the symposium had urged: be yourself and chase your goals.

“Find a sport you want to pursue and do it at all costs,” Blodgett said. “I don’t know if that’s good for everyone, but it is when you have a passion for something.”

Blodgett reflected the selflessness other speakers had lauded when she told one child about her role models. To the old question, Blodgett had a new answer.

“I’ve always said my parents, and Larry Bird as my role model for basketball,” Blodgett said. “And they are. But now I look at it a little differently. I see good people who do nice things and I think that’s important.”

She also exuded comfort in her pro status as she joked about her jump from being an America East star to an WNBA reserve.

“Now I want to talk, but no one wants to listen,” Blodgett cracked. “They won’t give me the mike.”