Tina Charles won two national titles at UConn. But when asked about representing the U.S. at the Olympics in London this week, her eyes lit up. The WNBA all-star for the Connecticut Sun called this the biggest honor of her career.
Charles was very humbled by being selected, even though putting her on the team was a no-brainer. In an interview with NBC Connecticut, she thanked all of her coaches at UConn for helping her reach this special position in her young career. Charles especially singled out Geno Auriemma, who will once again be her coach in London this summer.
But even if Charles helps the U.S. win gold, it will not be her greatest accomplishment. She recently donated $32,000 to a school in Mali. The school will help educate about 150 kids and work on adult literacy.
Perhaps someday one of those students will read about the remarkable woman who funded their education. And when they do, it may say, Tina Charles: 2012 gold medalist in women’s basketball.
