Williams on WNBA all-decade ballot

Utah native Natalie Williams is one of 30 women nominated for one of 10 spots on the WNBA All-Decade Team. Williams played from 1999-2002 for the Utah Starzz and from 2003-05 with the Indiana Fever before retiring to coach and train young athletes in the Salt Lake Valley.

Voting for the team begins today, and fans can have a say at www.WNBA.com. A vote may be cast once each day. Coaches, players and WNBA-market media will also vote. Criteria include on-court performance as well as ability, leadership, sportsmanship, community service and contribution to the growth of women's basketball.

The results will be announced in June, and the players selected will be honored at the 2006 WNBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 12.

The WNBA is marking its 10th year of existence. The Starzz were a charter member, but the franchise was moved to San Antonio in December 2002, and Williams was traded to Indiana while en route to San Antonio for the first season there.

No other former Starzz were nominated.

Among nominees who played often against the Starzz: Cynthia Cooper, Ruthie Bolton, Yolanda Griffith, Lisa Leslie, Ticha Penicheiro, Katie Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson.