Heart in Israel, Home (Court) in New York
Sunday, May 20, 2007 
New York Times 
Print this page
When Doron chose Maryland, a program rebuilding under a new and unproven coach, Brenda Frese, it was as surprising a choice as Christ the King, but equally successful. Doron was Maryland's spark plug during its championship season, the team's relentlessly competitive conscience.
Doron, whose easy smile transforms into an intense mask when a game starts, faces bigger and quicker competition and a new, steep challenge.
"She has the skills and mentality to play in this league, absolutely," Liberty Coach Pat Coyle said. "Every day she competes. This is her life. This is her dream. She won’t be satisfied until she's starting and is an impact player. I can't ever see that kid not working."
Doron hopes her success goes deeper. She wants to show Americans an Israeli success story, and she wants to show Israelis what can be accomplished if they dream big. She is a star in Israel, so much so that Israeli television bought the rights to broadcast the NCAA women’s tournament. News media coverage of her is intense.
In the United States, Doron serves as a walking tourism video for her native country. She describes Israel to everyone she meets. When she played for the United States team in the Maccabiah Games in 2005 (the Israelis entered a younger team, so Doron could not join it), she played tour guide and took her American teammates to the family's house for dinner.
"I want Americans to know Israel, how beautiful it is," Doron said. "You have to get there and see that it isn't as scary as you see on the news."
Part of Doron wishes she were back there, fulfilling the commitment of every Israeli to serve in the military.
Her pride runs so deep that she feels she is missing something important. Her parents tell her she is serving her country in a different way, as one of its most winning ambassadors.
"She loves America, and she loves Israel," Tamari Doron said. "It is great to feel at home in two places."
Again, as Shay is quick to admit, parents are always right.
Pages: 1 2