Vanessa Hayden
WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks  – No. 55
Center
Born	June 5, 1982 (1982-06-05) (age 27) Orlando, Florida
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight	300 lb (136 kg)
College	Florida
Draft	7th overall, 2004 Minnesota Lynx
WNBA career	2004–present
WNBA Teams
Minnesota Lynx (2004-2008) Los Angeles Sparks (2009-present)

Vanessa L'asonya Hayden-Johnson (born June 5, 1982 in Orlando, Florida) is an American professional women's basketball player in the WNBA, currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Hayden-Johnson attended the University of Florida and graduated in 2004. Following her collegiate career, she was selected 7th overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft.

As a rookie in 2004, Hayden-Johnson averaged 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. In 2005, she improved, averaging 7.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The 2006 season was a struggle for the third year center. After reporting to the pre-season training camp 20 pounds overweight, Hayden-Johnson lost her starting job early on and remained prone to foul trouble. With her minutes cut, she averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Hayden-Johnson missed the entire 2007 WNBA season to give birth to her first child. She returned to action in 2008 and is currently a reserve for the Lynx.

On January 30, 2009 Hayden-Johnson was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks for Christi Thomas.

[edit] European career

• 2004–2006: CB Halcón Viajes
• 2007–2008: Beşiktaş Cola Turka
• 2008–2009: Umana Reyer Venezia

[edit] Trivia

Hayden-Johnson, who hates flying, brings a teddy bear with her on every flight. The Florida native has a collection of over 200 teddy bears.

She enjoys writing short stories in her free time.

[edit] External links

• WNBA Player Profile
• November 21, 2006 letter to the fans on her pregnancy
• Vanessa Hayden Seeks a New Beginning (Minnesota Public Radio)
• Hayden-Johnson traded to the Sparks for Thomas

This biographical article relating to U.S. women's basketball is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e