Player Profile: Kristin Haynie

Name: Kristin Haynie
Born: Jun 17, 1983 (to turn 25)
Place of Birth: Mason, Michigan
Height: 5-9 (1.75 m)
Weight: 147 (66.7 kg)

Colleges: Michigan State

Years Pro: 3

Position: Guard

Kudos: Michigan State record holder in career assists and steals.

Nickname: None

Profile: Kristin Haynie came up to play in the WNBA, but it wasn't easy. Unlike some kids who made it to the WNBA through battling poverty, Haynie had to battle a health condition. In fourth grade, polyps were found in her large intestine that doctors thought might be cancerous. As a precautionary measure, Haynie's entire large intestine was removed.

The result, however, was that Haynie suffered from chronic fatigue, a condition that was not properly diagnosed until her college career. Nutritionists discovered the problem -- without a large intestine, Kristin was not absorbing enough vitamins to provide pep. Haynie was put on a 3,000-4,000 calorie a day diet. Normally, someone on that diet would blow up like Boss Hogg, but Haynie's pro-level workouts keep the weight off.

The story of Haynie's left-handed layup is also intersting. At home, her driveway was only surfaced with cement on the left side, forcing her to dribble-and-layup well only on one side of the driveway. However, it's a skill that has served her in good stead.

Haynie plays in Europe during the off-season. She has played for TEO Vilnius in Lithuania and CSKA-Samara for the Russians.

During the off-season, Haynie tends to travel back to home and Michigan State, being one of a few players out there who maintain strong ties with their universities and hometowns.

Other than the above, not much is known about Kristin Haynie, but we're glad to have her on the Dream. We'll keep you posted.