NEW YORK -- Renee Brown has been at the WNBA since its inception. Twenty years after joining the league, the WNBAs chief of basketball operations and player relations is stepping down this month.Its probably one of the most difficult decisions I made in my life, Brown told The Associated Press in a phone interview Monday. I love the WNBA, and was fortunate 20 years ago that Val (Ackerman), David (Stern), Russ (Granik) and Adam (Silver) allowed me to come in at the start of this league. Walking away, its sad but yet joyful at the same time.Brown is one of a handful of people still involved in the league since its beginning in 1997.Twenty years in, people didnt think wed be here, Brown said. I knew we would be. Its been fun watching the talent grow. I think the WNBA has been in great shape from the minute we came here. A lot to do with what the NBA gives the WNBA. From the beginning, I was very confident once the NBA allowed us to put the W in front of its name, wed be well taken care of.In her current role and through her work with the WNBAs competition committee, Brown has directly influenced how the game is played. This past season, teams set records for points per game, field goals made and attempted, field goal percentage, free throws made, free throw percentage and assists.Brown has also been involved with USA Basketball since 1996. She has served on its board of directors and chaired the selection committee of the senior national team.Renee has selflessly served USA Basketball as a coach, committee member and passionate supporter, said Carol Callan, director of womens basketball for USA Basketball. She first served as an assistant coach during the historic 1995-96 USA national team yearlong preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.The U.S. hasnt lost in the Olympics since Brown got involved, winning six consecutive gold medals.Any time I put on a USA T-shirt or a sweatshirt, I put it on with so much pride recognizing were all representing our country, she said.Brown said she let WNBA President Lisa Borders know of her decision at the start of this season.Renees contributions to the WNBAs growth have been immeasurable, Borders said. It has been a pleasure working alongside her during this landmark season and I will continue to rely on her expertise. She will always be part of the WNBA family.Brown said she will continue to be involved in basketball, joining the Jr. NBA Leadership Council. The Nevada native plans to stay in New York for now.My goal is to stay in New York and look for other opportunities involved in the game, sports or women empowerment, Brown said. Take the skills Ive learned here and use them somewhere else. Its an exciting time for me. I thought Id be here three to four years. Twenty years later, Im here and its been great. Im looking forward to my next journey. Jordan 4 Shoes For Sale . The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 10, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times. "The result looked easier than it really was," Ivanovic said. Cheap Air Jordan 4 Retro .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. http://www.wholesalejordan11.com/discount-jordan-6.html . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. Jordan 11 For Sale Cheap Real . 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Spain came back to score twice late on to snatch a draw but Vardy had been substituted by then and Leicester boss Ranieri thinks his player will be on the crest of a wave for Saturdays trip to Watford. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Finally he broke the ice, said Ranieri. It was important for him and for everybody.Of course he never spoke about this, but the goal-scorer always wants to score. I think it will be a new Vardy.He always works hard for the team. The goal was a fantastic goal, and thats OK. It will help me, help the team and help himself.I never lost confidence in Jamie. I have managed a lot of goal-scorers and its not possible to score all the time. Ranieri says at no point has he lost faith in Vardy Sometimes they have a little stop and then restart.dddddddddddd I tried to help him and take him out.Vardy was on target 24 times last season and hopes his England goal will kick-start a scoring streak.I think its been needed and hopefully I can kick on from there now and start banging them in, he said.Its just always good to get that goal. That one is in the back of the net now and hopefully I can kick on and start putting more away. Vardy was instrumental in Leicesters title triumph last season I just think a lot of the chances I was getting last year have not been there this year.Its just all about working hard and eventually theyll come. I think it always happens when youre a striker.You do go through spells without scoring but eventually it will come back and youll be banging them in again.At the end of the day the team comes first and its about how youre working hard for the team - the bonuses come after, which is obviously the goals. Im always ready.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Mersons predictions Method to Mahrez magic Ranieri defends Drinkwater Premier League questions ' ' '