Greco makes team

Hamlet Nalbandyan

From La Crescenta to Seattle -- with stops in Westwood, Cleveland,

Israel and Greece, in between -- Michelle Greco’s dream finally

became a reality.

The 24-year-old Crescenta Valley High graduate will be a member of

the Seattle Storm this season, as WNBA teams submitted their final

roster of 11 active and a maximum of two inactive players Wednesday.

Greco signed with the Storm -- one of 13 franchises in the WNBA --

on April 27 as a free agent, and entered camp as one of 18 players.

But the former UCLA standout -- who went undrafted last season and

was cut by the now-defunct Cleveland Rockers -- proved her worth as a

capable scorer and defensive player, and will be one of four guards

on Seattle’s roster.

“This is very exciting and rewarding,” said Greco, who will back

up former All-Star Betty Lennox at the shooting guard spot. “I’ve

been through a lot, and it’s nice knowing that the hard work paid

off.”

Greco went through her share of obstacles to make the team.

Early on in camp, she bruised her right hip, which caused her to

miss some practice time. But that was just the start of it.

On May 10, Greco -- who has a history of concussions and freak

injuries -- fractured her nose in practice, and her spot on the team

was in question after the Storm signed former Oregon guard Shaquala

Williams.

Williams, who played with the Los Angeles Sparks last year, was

impressive during camp, but not impressive enough to beat out Greco.

Williams was cut on Monday -- along with two other players -- which

brought Seattle’s roster to 12, with 2004 first-round pick Tina

Frierson starting the season on the injured list.

“I chalk it up to how I play,” said Greco of her injuries. “I’m a

pretty aggressive player, and that’s how I’m always going to be.”

Seattle Coach Anne Donovan, also the team’s director of player

personnel, appreciated Greco’s effort, especially on the defensive

side.

“She came up to me and told me that I deserve it,” said Greco of

Donovan. “She’s a great lady and I’m excited to be playing for her.

“I know my role on the team. I want to be a spark off the bench,

play great defense and knock down the open shot when I get it.”

Greco’s status as a first-year player helped her make the roster.

Since the Storm have Sue Bird and reigning league MVP Lauren Jackson

on its roster, Greco’s league-minimum salary of $30,600 was key in

Seattle meeting the league’s salary cap of $647,000.