Page 3C

From Harvard to WNBA, Feaster takes risks

By Jose Alfredo Flores
USA TODAY

Wall Street or the WNBA? That was the dilemma facing Allison Feaster.

Graduating from Harvard with a degree in economics, the financial world was wide open for Feaster. A job as an equities analyst at Merrill Lynch was hers for the taking, but Feaster had bigger ambitions.

''I have always been a very driven person, and playing pro basketball has always been a goal of mine,'' says Feaster, 24, the Los Angeles Sparks' top reserve.

Her starting salary at Merrill Lynch would have been about double what she is making now. Players of her stature earn the WNBA minimum $32,500. Many equities analysts can earn six figures within three years, which is how long Feaster has been playing with the Sparks, the league leaders at 27-3. She has no regrets.

''Going to the WNBA was a big risk,'' says Feaster, who's averaging 6.3 points and 2.6 rebounds a game. ''I turned down what could have been a long-term job for one where the risk of injury or not making the team could end it all.''

For now, Feaster is content to solely be a basketball player. During the offseason she will return to the French pro league rather than commit to financial ventures.

But during her free time she dabbles in the stock market, managing her portfolio and her new T.D. Waterhouse online account. ''I watch CNBC constantly. That's my main channel,'' Feaster says.

She also helps out teammate La' Keshia Frett with advice on starting up her own business. Frett is looking to start a franchise of juice bars at malls and airports. Feaster advised her that the start-up cost would be low and that there is a high demand for the product.

Feaster also has advised Frett on an educational IRA for her niece's college education. Says Frett, ''Save for the future is what she's always telling me.''