About 50 members of the Stanford Fast Break Club today completed their first day of the “Weekend in LA Celebration for Nneka Ogwumike.” Club members, who act as boosters for Cardinal women’s hoops, planned the event to coincide with a Sparks weekend back-to-back game stand, as Los Angeles faced the Seattle Storm tonight, and takes on the Atlanta Dream tomorrow.
Ogwumike, long a favorite of Stanford fans, was chosen first by the Sparks in the 2012 draft. She is a starter for her team, and is the third-leading scorer.
SFBC members arrived in town today, and began the evening at a dinner reception at Staples Center. Speakers included WNBA President Laurel Richie, team majority owner Paula Madison, team President Mike Levy, team General Manager Penny Toler and Coach Carol Ross.
During the game, fans sat behind the Sparks bench and held up snall “We love Nneka” signs periodically. Some also wore T-shirts. At a post-game reception, Ogwumike spoke to fans.
“It’s really nice of them to come,” she said of the group. “They’re always really supportive.”
Against the Storm, Ogwumike posted 13 points and 11 rebounds. Her mother, Ify Ogwumike, was also in attendance.
SFBC members tonight also received special Sparks gift bags. Before tomorrow’s game there will be another fan club dinner.
