DECATUR - WNBA player LaToya Bond is getting use to playing in front of thousands in a crowded arena.

The rookie for the Charlotte Sting averaged 5.7 points per game this season. She got off the bench with a good start in May, scoring in double digits.

Bond also scored big with nearly 30 children at the YWCA's after-school program on Friday after paying them a visit.

She shot a few baskets with the children and taught them how to shoot free throw. She autographed a picture of herself and managed to answer a lot of questions.

"How tall are you?" said Gage Fowler, 11.

"Do you like other sports other than basketball?" said Jessica Dupin, 10.

Bond said she use to run track and enjoyed playing softball, but playing basketball since the third grade has always been her passion.

Bond, 22, lived most of her life in Decatur before moving to Urbana, where she graduated from high school.

The 5-foot-7 point guard was recruited to the University of Missouri at Columbia in 2002. Her lifelong dream came true after being picked in the second round of the 2006 WNBA draft by the Charlotte Sting. She signed a three-year contract with the team.

"It's been a lot of fun playing (in the WNBA) and very competitive," she said about her first season as a professional basketball player. "I think trying to stay mentally and physically tough has been the hardest part."

Mikaela Williams, 6, enjoyed bouncing a few balls around at the YWCA with Bond, who is her cousin.

Williams' mother, Tia White, works with the Wear to Work and after-school programs at the YWCA.

"I thought it was great opportunity to bring someone who is doing positive things and help us celebrate the YWCA's 100th year locally. Part of our mission is 'eliminating racism and empowering women,' " White said.

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.