Danielle Viglione

Age: 33

Resides: Rancho Cordova

Then: Viglione was a Del Campo High School basketball star who was named the state Division II Player of the Year in 1993 following a prolific career. Viglione broke 10 state scoring records and set a national record for sinking 169 three-pointers during the 1992 season. She went on to play at Texas, where she was a three-time Academic All-American and set NCAA Division I three-point records. Following college, Viglione played briefly for the inaugural Monarchs in 1997. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged one point in seven appearances. After being cut, Viglione enjoyed a 10-year international playing career until retiring last year.

Now: On Nov. 26, Viglione will be honored at Del Campo as a plaque in her honor will be placed on the school's Wall of Fame. Recently married, Viglione is now the youth basketball area manager of "HOOPS 24," formerly known as Hoopology, at 24 Hour Fitness on Florin Road and in Folsom. The program teaches skills and fundamentals to kids age 8 and up. Kids interested in participating can call 866-670-7753, ext. 3.

What is life like now that you retired from playing?

I love my job as much as I loved playing. Actually more. I never thought I'd say that.

What is your program about?

We offer what kids don't have in this area. Kids play a lot of AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), and that's great, but they aren't working on fundamen- tals, which is what made me the player I am. We teach skills and fundamentals and instill an attitude that will help them get to the next level, and that's something that carries over into life.

You played for 10 years in Israel, Turkey and Italy. What was that like?

Going overseas is a fantastic experience. It gets old living out of your suitcase, though. There were a ton of highlights. Playing highlights, I would say my first year in Turkey. I had a phenomenal game. I had 50 points and hit a three-pointer from halfcourt to send the game into overtime, and we ended up winning. But really, the experiences I remember from overseas aren't necessarily on the court. They are about the people you meet and the coaches that respect you.

WNBA players pack up each winter and head abroad to play for teams in Russia and other parts of the world. That schedule means they play year-round. Did you consider doing this?

I would come back for three months during the summer and then spend nine months (overseas). If you wanted to try to get back in the WNBA, it was too difficult, especially playing in Italy (because of overlap in the league schedules). It would be crazy. I always tell (good friend and WNBA star) Taj McWilliams-Franklin that she's superwoman. When you see all those knee injuries, their bodies are tired. After a few years, it's wear and tear. You can do it while you are young. When I started feeling it, I said, 'If I can't play 110 percent, I need to put my effort into something else.' "

When you first headed to Turkey to play, you were making $20,000 to $30,000. Now, elite WNBA players are making upward of $100,000 to play in international leagues. What does that say to you about the status of women's basketball globally?

I think today, more so than ever, girls are given more opportunity, which is great to see. I have so many kids coming through our program, girls, who have aspirations. And they have role models like Sheryl Swoopes. When I played, I wanted to be that positive role model.