Mercury fans are going to love Monique Currie.

Currie has averaged 10.8 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 40.0-percent (353-of-883) over the last three seasons while playing in all 34 games each year. In fact, in seven of her nine seasons in the league, the durable forward has played in all 34 games. In 2010, she averaged a career-best 14.1 points and was named to a WNBA All-Star.

Check out a photo gallery of Currie, and be sure to read her hilarious interview with John Steinmiller below!

PhoenixMercury.com: It is said you never get a second chance to make a first impression, what is the first impression you would like to make for Mercury fans?

Monique Currie: This is a tough question because my playing style and on court personality is very different from who I am off the court. But I’d say I’m pretty laid back and easy going, I like to think that I’m funny; some of my friends would agree but a lot would probably not give me credit where its due. But really I just like to have a good time. I love shopping, cooking, trying new restaurants and I love Jordan sneakers.

PhoenixMercury.com: How would you characterize the strengths of your game? What do you bring to the court?

Monique Currie: I am a very intense player and when I’m on the court it’s all business and hard work for me. Earlier in my career I was really mostly a slasher and just loved getting to the basket. That is still part of my game but I’ve really expanded my game year after year. I’m a good sized guard so I can play on the wing and sometimes bang on the inside if I need to. I can get to basket and I can also knock down shots. I also like to get my teammates involved so setting up players to get great looks is what I love.

PhoenixMercury.com: Being a veteran in the WNBA, you have played in Phoenix a number of times as a visitor; what was it like to play against the Mercury?

Monique Currie: What I loved most about playing against Phoenix was the arena’s atmosphere. Players love playing in front of a large crowd and Phoenix fans always showed up and were always so into the game. I also enjoy the in-game dancers. I think Phoenix has the best dance crew in the league! Sometimes I was distracted during timeouts watching them but let’s keep that a secret! Lol!

PhoenixMercury.com: Have you heard about the Mercury fans, which we call our “X-Factor”? How will it feel having them on your side?

Monique Currie: I can hear the chant “MIGHTY MERCURY!” in my head as I type this but I am definitely looking forward to playing in front of the X-Factor! They totally give you an edge during games and their excitement will certainly rub off on me.

PhoenixMercury.com: What are your impressions of the Mercury franchise and how did that attract you to sign with the team?

Monique Currie: You always hear different things about different organizations around the league and having friends on different teams and just being in the league for as long as I have I’ve heard plenty. I’ve always heard great things about Phoenix. They are very professional and the players have a lot of support. I also know that they have some of the best trainers and physical therapists in the league so this young lady will make great use of those guys! But seriously, I can appreciate a great organization because I was lucky enough to play for one for most of my career (in Washington).

PhoenixMercury.com: What is it like playing against players like Brittney Griner, Candice Dupree and DeWanna Bonner, and what do you look forward to most about being teammates with them?

Monique Currie: The Mercury has some great talent and that is what drew me to the team in free agency. I wanted to play with great players and Phoenix has plenty to choose from. Of course I wanted to play alongside DT but that will have to be put on hold for now.

Griner is a special player and I followed her career at Baylor. To see her improvement year to year in the league is amazing and I’m looking forward to her having my back down in the paint.

I’m a big fan of Candice and love her to death. I’ve known her for many years and I love her game and admire the poise she always has. I’m going to enjoy being her as a teammate and DeWanna too. There aren’t very many players that have DeWanna’s size and skill. It was always a challenge playing against her so I’m excited that I will only have to go up against her in practice from now on.

PhoenixMercury.com: You played with current Mercury forward Mistie Bass in college at Duke University and Mercury fans are well aware of her toughness. After knowing her for so long, what is something fans might not know about her?

Monique Currie: I loved playing with Mistie during college because she was like the enforcer on our team. She was the banger and the player that was going to get you a wide open sho.! I’m looking forward to having some fun on the court with her this summer.

Let me think of something you may not know about her, when America’s Next Top Model first came out she used to have watch parties at her apartment every week.

Also, you probably already know but Mistie is one of the most competitive people that I know and so am I. In college we had this “Gun Club” which was our weight lifting group and Mistie and I would always compete with each other to see who could lift the most weight. I’m going to go on the record and say that I was the strongest on the team but I’m sure Mistie will have something to say about that!

PhoenixMercury.com: What do you know about Phoenix as a city?

Monique Currie: I don’t know much at all about Phoenix besides the fact that it is VERY hot in the summer. I remember playing there each year and wondering how people deal with the heat. I guess I will be inside a lot and beside a pool when I’m not! I’m looking forward to see what the city has to offer after getting there.