NEW YORK — Kayla Alexander loved to draw since she was a child, when she was inspired by a patient teacher.
She continued to blossom as an artist as she grew, attending art camps at the encouragement of her mom. Then basketball entered her life, earning a scholarship to Syracuse before she went on to play in the WNBA and overseas. Now, the 28-year-old Canadian has been able to combine her two loves, writing and illustrating a children's book that will be released Thursday — The Magic of Basketball.
"I have a passion for kids, love to teach, love ball and art," Alexander said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.