Cassady heads to the Big Apple

After one of the most successful years that the IU women's basketball team has had in recent history, senior Heather Cassady was supposed to hang up her sneakers at the end of her career as a Hoosier. But fans haven't heard the last of Cassady, who hopped on a plane for New York City late last week to participate in the New York Liberty's training camp. \n"We are just obviously proud as parents and family," Cassady's father, Pat, said. "Heather is just thrilled, but nervous, ready and looking forward to it."\nThe 5'7" point guard who helped lead the team to a Big Ten Championship Tournament win and the first round of the NCAA tournament is now setting her sights on the future, which could hold a career in the WNBA.\n"I am so excited about this opportunity," Cassady said in a prepared statement. "It is a once in a lifetime chance, and I can't wait. I was so disappointed after the draft, but good things happen and now I am so excited again."\nCassady and two other Hoosiers were picked up by WNBA franchises; senior Erin McGinnis will try-out with the Miami Sol, while senior Jill Chapman was selected as the 21st overall pick in the draft by the Detroit Shock.\nWomen's basketball head coach Kathi Bennett said she couldn't be happier for Cassady. Bennett corresponded with the Liberty about Cassady and was the one to give her the news of New York's interest. \nBetween Cassady's busy schedule and trying to finish the school year, Bennett was having a hard time getting in touch with Cassady to give her the news. "I have been trying to get in touch with her all day. I have left so many messages on her machine. I am so happy for her," Bennett said.\nThe try-out, which began Monday, will end with a roster finalizing on May 24. Each WNBA team is allowed to list 18 players on the roster until the May 24 deadline. The teams must then cut the roster to 11 active players and two on the injured reserve list.\nDespite Cassady's new-found opportunities in recent weeks, her past is not far behind her. The teammates she will leave this year said they will not forget her in the least and said they have high hopes for her future.\n"Heather brought so much heart to the team," junior Jill Hartman said. "She played so hard and did it all out. She really inspired us to play harder and play hard for her. When she would have the ball, we all knew that she would bring poise and calmness to the team."\nCassady leaves IU after earning Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Player honors and was an all-Big Ten selection. She also led the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio last season with a 2.46 mark. Cassady averaged 12.6 points and 3.4 rebounds her senior year.\nNew York is ranked third in the league in assists and had the third-least amount of turnovers last season.\nBennett said that Cassady's passion for the game will no doubt be one of the things she will miss the most about her. "What am I not going to miss?" Bennett said. "She is probably one of the most loyal, hardworking and passionate players. She has a passion for the game and that inspires others. Heather is a great leader and never had a bad day. She could hit open shots and wasn't scared to step up and take it."\nStanding behind Cassady, Hartman said Cassady's participation in the WNBA training camp gave her a good chance at the team and the experience alone will be beneficial for a basketball career.\n"I think that it is great for her," Hartman said. "She has a good opportunity and I know New York is a really good team so just the experience is so great for her. No matter what, she will be happy. The right thing will happen for her, and I guess we will just have to wait and see"