WAC Magazine

June | July 2014

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C O U R T E S Y : N B A 48 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JUNE / JULY 2014 Basketball star By Naomi Thalenberg MEET THE ATHLETE WAC member Spencer Hawes has basketball in his blood. The Seattle native grew up with the WAC, taking swim lessons, attending holiday parties, and spending plenty of time in the 8th Floor gym. Spencer, now 26, played at the University of Washington for a year before joining the NBA. He currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We caught up with the 7-foot-1 center this past spring. You come from a basketball family. Did you always know you wanted to be a professional player? I loved basketball from the first time I jumped in and played. I joined my first team when I was in the second grade and haven't stopped doing it since. What's it like playing in the NBA? It's been good. The people you meet and the relationships you make are great. You get to travel and see so many different parts of the world and meet people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. What's your training like? Other than training with the team, when I'm home I use the WAC's 5th Floor or shoot hoops in the 8th Floor gym. I also like swimming in Helene Madison Pool for extra cardio workouts. During the offseason, I love being outdoors in the Northwest. I try to stay active in many ways, playing tennis and golf and trying to get my workout done early so I can spend time with family and friends. What do you love most about basketball? The best part is just being on the court and being able to play. It's my livelihood and profession. What advice would you give to aspiring young players? If it's your dream, then go after it. Try different things. Do what you love and try to take as many opportunities as you can. 2014 WAC GOLF CLUB SCHEDULE Twilight Socials June 11 5 pm Jackson June 19 5 pm Jefferson June 26 5 pm West Seattle July 9 5 pm Jackson July 17 5 pm Jefferson July 24 5 pm West Seattle August 8 5 pm Interbay Trophy Events Dave Smith Memorial Golf Outing June 6 Coal Creek (Newcastle) Club Championship August 16 8 am Trophy Lake (Port Orchard) Other 18-hole events June 14 8 am Harbour Pointe (Mukilteo) June 21 2 pm Indian Summer (Olympia) June 28 10:30 am White Horse (Kingston) July 18 12 pm China Creek (Newcastle) July 26 8 am Washington National (Auburn) August 14 1 pm The Plateau Club (Sammamish)

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