Scholarship News: Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship!!!

Ketia Supporting Military Children

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to let you guys know that we are officially launching the Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship in honor of my grandparents! I'm sooooo excited about this, and I'm so happy that my foundation (Ketia4Kidz) is growing! Check out the details below, but I will be adding an application to my website VERY soon! Thanks for the support, and thanks to everyone that came out to my first basketball camp last weekend in Columbus, GA!

Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship

The Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Scholarship was established in 2010 to recognize the contributions and provide educational assistance for our Military Children.  This program will award five (5) $1000 Scholarships for use towards a four year degree, vocational, or technical certificate.

Only dependent unmarried children under age 21 (23 if enrolled as a full time student) of active duty personnel, and retired military members, or survivors of deceased members, may apply for a scholarship. You must be enrolled or planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.

Applicants must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the fall term of 2011. All applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis) to be eligible to apply. The minimum GPA requirement applies to both high school and college students. Students will also need to provide a 2 page essay about their experience as a military brat. Students attending a community, vocational, technical or junior college must be enrolled in a program of studies designed to allow the student to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applicants who receive an appointment to one of the U.S. Military Academies (or affiliated preparatory schools) or are awarded a full scholarship at any accredited U.S. post-secondary institution of higher education are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees, and other related expenses.

Application and Deadline coming soon!

Swan Song - Phoenix Mercury Video

Check it out!!! Swan Song

Phoenix Mercury President/GM Ann Meyers-Drysdale!

Ann Meyers Drysdale
General Manager and President, Phoenix Mercury
Vice President, Phoenix Suns

One of the true pioneers in women’s basketball, Hall of Famer and award-winning broadcaster Ann Meyers Drysdale is completing her fourth season as General Manager of the two-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury (2009,2007). Meyers Drysdale was named the third General Manager in Mercury history on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 and added the title of president in late June of this season.

Enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. as a player in 1993, Meyers Drysdale’s basketball resume spans over four decades after becoming the first high school player ever to make a United States National Team in 1974.

As an amateur, Meyers Drysdale was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship from UCLA. The UCLA basketball legend was a four-time Kodak All-American, the first male or female to achieve that honor. Upon graduation, Meyers Drysdale held 12 of 13 school records and led the Bruins to a national championship in 1978. Meyers Drysdale, who was the first female to be named to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and had her jersey No. 15 retired, also competed in volleyball and won a national championship in track in 1975.

An outstanding all-around player, the 5-9, 140-pound guard represented the United States in the 1976 Olympics, 1975 and ’79 Pan American Games and the 1975 and ’79 World Championships. She earned a silver medal as part of the first women’s US Olympic Basketball team at the Montreal Games in 1976.

Meyers Drysdale remains the only female ever to sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team when she signed with the Indiana Pacers in 1979. After being released by the Pacers, she provided color commentary for Pacers broadcasts and was the first woman to broadcast an NBA game.

The first player drafted in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) in 1978, Meyers Drysdale resumed her playing career for the New Jersey Gems, where she was named MVP after leading the league in steals and averaging 22.2 points. She also took home the title as one of only two women to win the ABC Sports Superstars competition three years in a row from 1981 – 1983 and was the only woman to participate in the men’s competition.

Most recently, Meyers Drysdale has established herself as an expert analyst on ESPN, NBC, ABC, FOX Sports and CBS and has done commentary for men’s and women’s basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball and baseball since 1979. Meyers Drysdale’s illustrious broadcasting resume includes the 1984, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics as well as a stint as a broadcaster for the 1988-89 Loyola Marymount men’s basketball team, coached by former Mercury Head Coach Paul Westhead and featuring Mercury Head Coach Corey Gaines, a guard on the team. Meyers Drysdale is also a frequent contributor to WNBA.com. Her incredible sports journalism contributions were recently honored as the 2006 winner of the United States Sports Academy’s (USSA) Ronald Reagan Media Award, joining an elite group of winners that includes Howard Cosell, Bob Costas, Keith Jackson, Frank Deford and Rupert Murdoch.

In her role of General Manager, Meyers Drysdale is in charge of all basketball operations, including player procurement, scheduling, and management of the league’s salary cap.

Meyers Drysdale has five sisters and five brothers, including brother Dave Meyers, who also played college basketball at UCLA, under legendary coach John Wooden and won two NCAA Championships with teammate Bill Walton. He played five seasons (1975-80) for the Milwaukee Bucks after being one of four players traded from the Los Angeles Lakers for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.

In 1986, she married former Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale and took the name Ann Meyers Drysdale. It was the first time that a married couple was members of their respective sports’ Hall of Fame. The Southern Californian native and Drysdale, who passed away in 1993, have three children together: sons Don Jr. (D.J.) and Darren, and daughter Drew.

A Great Experience - Ketia4Kidz Family Night

On June 29, 2010 I got my first opportunity to host an amazing family during my road trip to Atlanta, Ga. The Bower Family consists of Darlene (mother), Courtney (17), Dustin (13), and their deployed husband/stepfather SSG Bower who has been deployed to Iraq for 4-5 months. Darlene got in a serious car accident back in February of this year and sustained severe injuries. My goal was to get them away from home and just have some time to enjoy themselves, take their minds off everything going on and have a fun night.

It was their first WNBA game ever. Unfortunately we lost a close game to the Atlanta Dream but the Bower family was able to take my mind off of the L. We went to dinner after the game to the Sundial Restaurant located in the Westin hotel. It is on the highest floor of the hotel, rotating 360 degrees giving you an amazing view of the city of Atlanta. My parents also joined us for dinner. We took pictures and enjoyed the evening.

I took time over the 4th of July weekend to think about how grateful we are. I hope everyone appreciates how much freedom they have being an American. I would like to thank all the veterans and active military soldiers now for allowing us to have freedom. People don’t know what these individuals and their families go through on a daily basis. I would challenge anyone to TRY and walk a day in their shoes. GREAT LUCK is what I would say. Thank You veterans and active soldiers!

I’m looking forward to doing even more with veterans and their families, especially the youth. I’m hoping to talk to our First Lady – Michelle Obama – on Monday when we visit the White House for winning the WNBA Championship last year. She’s been doing an amazing job with the military families, and I want to find a way to do even more and be involved with her efforts! I’ll keep you posted!

Thanks everyone!!! Have a great weekend!!

June Ketia Kronicles!!!

The First Lady Supporting All of Us!!!

Check out this great article about our First Lady supporting our military families!!! View it HERE!

Happy Memorial Day!

On behalf of the Ketia4Kidz Foundation and myself, I'd like to wish all of the Armed Forces, their families, and those that support a very happy Memorial Day! Without all of you, we would not have the safety and respect from everyone around the world. I am thankful for having your support, and I'm glad to be able to find a way to support you and the work that you do on our behalf.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

2nd Annual K4K Basketball Classic & Clinic

Straight to the Point Gala - Update

What's up everybody?!!

Let me get Straight to the Point - pun intended. We're looking to invite all of Phoenix to join us (my teammate Temeka Johnson) THIS THURSDAY for a great night of foundation fun! We'll have food, drinks, presentations, dedications, signed items, give-aways and my teammates! Even some of the other Phoenix athletes!

Everything goes to charity! Don't miss this! Tickets sold only online here!

See you all there!!!!!!!

Ketia

Straight to the Point Gala

WNBA World Champions Temeka Johnson & Ketia Swanier Join Forces for their 1st Annual Straight to the Point Gala for Charity

WHO:

WNBA World Champion Phoenix Mercury PGs Temeka Johnson & Ketia Swanier, HOPE Foundation, Ketia4Kidz Foundation & Fuzion Cares

WHAT:

1st annual Straight to the Point Gala to benefit the HOPE Foundation (Temeka Johnson) and Ketia4Kidz Foundation (Ketia Swanier)

WHEN:

Thursday, May 13th

WHERE:

The Clarendon Hotel – Rooftop – Phoenix, AZ

TIME:

6:30PM – 10PM

MORE:

Join the Champions as they spend a night celebrating their foundation successes, highlighting key programs and events for the Arizona community, and raising funds for ongoing community opportunities. The night will be filled with surprise guests (members of the Arizona Cardinals, Mercury teammates and more), music, food, drinks, give-aways, dedications and a special silent auction of signed memorabilia. This unique affair is highlighted by attendees wearing elegant attire accompanied by their favorite pair of sneakers! All proceeds from the event (tickets and auction) will be split evenly between both foundations. Tickets are available for $100 (tax-deductible) at www.FuzionCares.org. Media passes are available – contact Fuzion Athlete Management.

ABOUT:

Heaven Opens People’s Eyes (H.O.P.E.) –Temeka Johnson’s Foundation
www.MeeksHOPE.org

Ketia4Kidz Foundation – Ketia Swanier’s Foundation
www.Ketia4Kidz.org

CONTACT:

Fuzion Athlete Management
773-359-3417 (office)
Quency@FuzionAM.com

# # #

Ketia Kronicles - Month of the Military Child

We All Scream For Ice Cream!!!

Hey Everyone!

This past weekend the Ketia4Kidz Foundation hosted an ice cream social at Ft. Benning, GA for 3rd Brigade/3rd Infantry Division families. 3rd Infantry is located on Kelly Hill at Ft. Benning. My father was a member of the 3rd Infantry when he and my mother were stationed at Ft. Benning. In 2003 he was deployed to Iraq and took part of the initial ground war. He was deployed for a year and half and I only got the chance to speak with him once every blue moon. The news was my map of my father. There once came a time when I honestly did not know if I would be able to hug my father ever again. Basketball became my outlet. God, my mother, school, and basketball were my priorities and they helped pass the time, keeping my mind off my father.

Both my mother and father were able to attend the event. My mom was definitely my backbone during my father’s deployment. Not once did I ever see her cry or be down in those tough times. She stayed strong and I thank her for that. She made sure I did well in school. Being a 1SG she was in charge of numerous soldiers working more than nine hour shifts a day. On the weekends she would drive me back and forth to Atlanta for AAU practices and tournaments. She was there when I got my drivers license. I didn’t realize it then but it was a huge help that I could get myself back and forth to school. She is truly my number one hero. I hope parents take advantage of her and ask her questions about how she made it through and managed to raise a calm respectful teenager. She deserves a lot of the credit. Thank you Mom, because I definitely don’t tell you enough!

This event really hit home for me because my family and I were once in these families actual shoes. I wanted to do something that would bring us all together where we could enjoy ourselves and conduct an event that would allow the families to take their minds off of loved ones deployed. The event touched not only the kids but the parents as well. I had tons of fun bringing joy to the kids and seeing them with huge smiles and ice cream smeared all over their faces.

……K4K

Ketia4Kidz Ice Cream Party!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Quency Phillips
Fuzion Athlete Management
Quency@FuzionMG.com

Ketia4Kidz Foundation & WNBA Champion Ketia Swanier Hosts Fort Benning Ice Cream Party for the Kidz of the 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division
ATLANTA – March 2, 2010 – Phoenix Mercury WNBA Champion, Ketia Swanier, continues her off-season work in the community, as she hosts an Ice Cream Party for the kidz of the deployed 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division (currently in Iraq) in Fort Benning, Ga. The WNBA Champion will take time from her off-season training to treat the kidz to ice cream, as well as sign autographs and spend time discussing how she transitioned from military brat to WNBA champion.

“I know what it’s like to have parents deployed, and Fort Benning is already a special place to me,” said Swanier. “It will be nice to go back and see how the kidz are doing, since I last saw them after the season. I’m looking forward to a fun time, and giving the kidz – and their parents – another reason to smile.”

This is another event in a series of off-season programs for the Ketia4Kidz Foundation. In April, the foundation will hold its 2nd annual basketball classic at Fort Hood, TX, with more events being launched throughout the year. Over NBA All-Star Weekend, the foundation joined with Champions4Champions to put on a special basketball clinic for the children of Ft. Hood. The event was a resounding success, with more events being planned in the near future.

Ketia4Kidz Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to provide tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured active duty military service members of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Foundation will provide enrichment activities and tutoring that nurture and sustain the children during the time a parent[s] is away in service to our country. Please check www.Ketia4Kidz.org for more details. Please contact Fuzion Athlete Management at Info@FuzionAM.com or at 773.359.3417 for information related to the event.

Ketia Kronicles - March Newsletter

2010 NBA All-Star Weekend

Hey everyone!!

I wanted to drop you all a quick blog to let you know how well the clinic went during All Star Weekend at Ft. Hood, TX. I got the opportunity to team up with a group called C4C. Champions 4 Champions is a group of legendary NBA players and volunteers who travel globally to support our military troops and their families by bringing them entertainment and fun activities. On February 18 we held a free basketball clinic for children from the ages of 6-16. I got the opportunity to share my experience of what it was like for me growing up in a military household with two parents serving our country to the children.

My main focus was letting them know how important it is to receive an education no matter what their goals in life are, and the importance of respecting their parents and teachers because they are the ones that want them to succeed and are there everyday to support them. I interacted with the kids as they did basic mini drills, signed autographs, and took pictures.

D-Trained (www.dtrained.com) showed his support for the Ketia4Kidz Foundation and provided the kids training and healthy eating information. I got a chance to meet a victim, Sgt. Alonso Lunsford, who survived the Ft. Hood tragedy in November 09 after being shot multiple times. He used to coach women’s basketball in North Carolina before the war. It was truly an honor and a blessing for Sgt. Lunsford to stop by and share some knowledge with myself and the kids. I was able to get my other UConn family, Rip Hamilton (with a nice assist from Ben Gordon), to send Sgt Lunsford an autographed jersey (pics coming later) as well for the event.

During the clinic, I did a radio interview with the legendary Sam Jones who use to play basketball for the Boston Celtics. His show that day reached over 325,000 people! He is one of the top 50 greatest NBA players of all time. Such an honor!!

Everything went well and I am excited to go back to Ft. Hood in the next few months for the 2nd Annual Ketia4Kidz basketball tournament. The kids and parents were awesome. My goal is to touch at least one child’s life and I hope they received something positive out of it.

Til next time…….K4K

All-Star Weekend and More!!!

Hey Everyone!

It’s been awhile since I have reached out - and does Ketia4Kidz have some exciting things in store!! I encourage you all to spread the word and stay updated on the website! I personally have set a few goals for myself in twenty-ten.

I am back home training for the rest of this off-season. Not only am I around loved ones, but more importantly I’ll be able to really work on my game and improve from last season. When you’re at the top everyone wants to knock you down so you have to work that much harder to stay up there! I also get a chance to really focus on my foundation work and boy are things opening up!

The next big event Ketia4Kidz will be hosting is a basketball clinic at Ft. Hood, TX on February 13, 2010 during NBA All-Star weekend. Temeka Johnson and Sylvia Fowles will be joining via skype due to overseas priorities. DTrained will be there to help with the clinic, as well as the help of volunteers and WNBA staff. The Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury have pledged support, and Chicago Sky staff members will help throughout the clinic. Ben Gordon and Michael Lewis will also be in attendance. Click on events at ketia4kidz.org for more info.

All the support we have received for this event is amazing. There are so many I can’t even name them all so I thank EVERYONE who has showed their support for this event! It won’t be able to be as successful as it will be without you all!

I'll also be on the Host Committee for a special Haiti Benefit Gala with Samuel Dalembert on Friday, February 12th! It's for a great cause, so if you want to help out or learn more, check out Sam's site www.DalembertFoundation.org for more information.

On another note my favorite NFL team, New Orleans Saints, are going to Miami….yeah buddy!! Wish them luck! Even if you are a Colts fan . Who Dat!

Talk to you soon….

K4K

NBA All-Star Weekend at Ft. Hood!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Quency Phillips
Fuzion Athlete Management
Quency@FuzionMG.com

Ketia4Kidz Foundation Hosts Fort Hood NBA All-Star Weekend Event
with WNBA/NBA Friends and FAM

ATLANTA – January 22, 2010 – Phoenix Mercury WNBA Champion, Ketia Swanier, continues to hit the mark in the community by hosting a free basketball clinic and extravaganza for the children on Fort Hood military base. Ms. Swanier has joined forces with WNBA friends, – Temeka Johnson (Phoenix Mercury) and Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) – NBA friends, sponsors and more to pass on their knowledge of basketball, as well as visit with the children, wounded military veterans, and more during the 3-hour event.

“NBA All-Star Weekend is a global stage and it’s important to show our support and appreciation for the troops,” said Swanier. “This is something small, in the grand scheme of things. But with the recent happenings at Ft. Hood, as well as with what’s going on in Haiti and across the world, it’s important to show that we can all come together to make a positive change.”

Temeka Johnson and Sylvia Fowles are both overseas (France and Russia, respectively), but will join the event via Skype to greet the children, and perform a Q&A for everyone in attendance. Temeka Johnson’s HOPE Foundation is also a partner in this event, where Ms. Johnson will be providing give-aways to the kids, as well as bringing in the support of Nike to this event. Sylvia Fowles will launch her foundation later this year, which will support children dealing with epilepsy. Members of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky organization will also be joining in to provide support for the event. Elite trainer, DTRAINED, will facilitate the basketball clinic alongside the players, other WNBA personnel and volunteers.

“I am proud of my athletes for being so willing to come together in complete solidarity,” said Quency Phillips, CEO of Fuzion Athlete Management. “Ms. Swanier, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Fowles will continue to demonstrate the amazing things that they can accomplish off of the WNBA court. Each player is dedicated to supporting our youth, their community, and leaving a legacy that far outweighs their success on the basketball court.”

A list of NBA players joining the event will be announced soon. More news will be reported in the coming weeks, as sponsors are still being solidified for the event. Please check www.Ketia4Kidz.org and www.FuzionCares.org for more details. Sponsorships are still available. Please contact Fuzion Athlete Management at Info@FuzionAM.com or at 773.359.3417 for information related to the event and sponsorship.

The Ketia Kronicles Newsletter

NEW Ketia Kronicles!! Click to enlarge!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope your holidays were as memorable and enjoyable as mine! I spent Christmas in Maryland with my boyfriend’s family. As always, they treated me like one of their own and I never encounter anything less than fun when I’m spending time with him and his family.

On the 29th of December, Ketia4Kidz held its' Second Annual Fish Fry fundraiser in my father’s hometown, Pass Christian, Mississippi where I spent most of my childhood life. One reason I love this event is because I’m able to see family members that I don’t get to see on a regular basis. They are my foundation and largest support group behind my parents. They are a huge part of my success thus far. Thank you family for your continued support!

The Fish Fry was a success in my eyes. It continues to grow every year, and this year we reached more people. The event is typically scheduled from 11AM-3PM, and we have people from all over the area (and businesses) coming out to enjoy good food and a good time. I saw a lot of my family, and the Army came out to support us. I look forward to building a stronger relationship with the Army in 2010. We have some great work to do together for military children. If you are ever in the area during the event I encourage you to grab a fishplate or two because the fish tastes amazing! We will be sure to post pictures soon!

A homecoming gala was added this year as a part of the event. The gala began late in the evening. It included a raffle, giveaways, and silent auction. This is one of the ways that we raise funds for the programs that my foundation serves. Whether it's a basketball camp, an autograph signing, the Adrian & Corena Swanier Education Fund, or give-aways, the fundraiser represents a worthy cause. Even better, individuals do not have to be present to participate in the raffle or giveaways, so more people get involved with this fundraiser. Our silent auction was one of the highlights of the night. We auctioned off signed items from some of my WNBA Champion teammates, and even a signed football from this year's New Orleans' Saints! That was the biggest item. For those of you that weren't able to be there, no worries, we have an online auction coming up through Twitter and Facebook with some more great items.

Next year's planning has already started with IP Biloxi Casino wanting to help out even more next year with the gala, so I can't wait to see how much better 2010's event will be! Stay updated on Ketia4kidz.org. Just click on events to learn more!

My FAM 3D, DJ Dow Jones, Brandon and J. Bracy held it down at the homecoming gala performing for everyone who came out. I strongly encourage everyone to check these guys out when they perform in a city near you!! Thank you guys for showing love and support!! I also want to thank former New Orleans Saints' All-Pro Mike Lewis for coming out and showing his support as well! He's the big brother in FAM, and he's doing some amazing things in the community, and helping other

Happy New Year to all again. Thanks to all who support me! Much love,

K4K…..

Happy New Year!

Wanted to quickly say Happy New Year to all of you! This decade will be a dream come true! Stay tuned for our release of Ketia Kronicles print edition!!! I'm so excited about everything that is going on. Ketia4Kidz.org!!!

Be safe everybody!!

Ketia