What was the most interesting fact about Diana Taurasi that you learned in your research?

So many aspects of Diana Taurasi’s life are interesting to me. I love that she’s bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Argentina, and I too am the child of a South American immigrant. In Latin America, soccer, or what we call futbol in Spanish, is everyone’s favorite sport. I was surprised to find out that when Diana was young, she was a fantastic soccer player and that it was difficult for her to choose between basketball and soccer when the time came. Another interesting fact I discovered about Diana Taurasi is that not only does she play basketball with great skill and fierce competitiveness but she also plays with passion and joy and a sense of fun, which reflects her great sense of humor.

What is the biggest lesson you hope young readers take away from the book?

Don’t let other people define your dreams. Diana didn’t and doesn’t. When she started playing basketball, the WNBA didn’t even exist. Also, not only did Diana Taurasi achieve her dreams of greatness, she helped her teammates shine and achieve their own dreams on the court. So I hope young readers learn that teamwork and supporting each other is as important as our individual achievements.

How did you do the research for this biography?

Diana Taurasi’s story continues. Even as she won her fifth gold medal in Japan, she hinted she might go for a sixth. I did lots of research for this biography because this is the first book for readers of any age on Diana Taurasi, who many consider the GOAT, or the greatest basketball player of all time. I’m proud of that. I read countless profiles, newspaper articles, magazine features on Diana Taurasi, who’s called D by her teammates. I also researched the history of women’s basketball and the WNBA.I watched, read, and listened to interviews and podcasts where she was featured, and listened to Diana’s speeches at public events. Finally I paid close attention to what her family, teammates, coaches, and other professional athletes had to say about Diana, which really deepened my understanding of her talent and her commitment. I also watched endless hours of Diana playing on the court and had lots of fun.

What question would you ask Diana Taurasi if you had the chance to meet her?

Diana Taurasi is so confident and fierce in her pursuit of goals, I think I would ask her how she overcomes moments of fear and doubt. And I’d ask her what keeps her motivated during tough times, which all of us face at one time or another.

What does the Persisterhood mean to you?

The Persisterhood is deeply meaningful to me because I am deeply indebted to the women who came before me and who surround me now. My mother, born Isabel Maria Vexler Valdivieso, in Piura, Peru, was my first and most important role model of persistence and passion and hard work in immigrating to the United States at 17, learning a new language, and creating a life here, not unlike Diana Taurasi’s parents. My mother inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a writer, a professor, and a mother, and that’s exactly what I did. Every day I see dedication, persistence, and a desire to make the world a better place among the young people I teach and write for. And I see it in my daughters too.