Haynie was born and raised in Mason, Michigan. She has played basketball since her elementary school years. In high school she played on the varsity team and graduated from Mason High School in 2001.
Personal
In the 4th grade, Haynie had her large intestine removed due to recurring polyps that doctors feared were cancerous. Lacking an intestine, her body was unable to absorb the proper nutrients to fuel itself; as a result, Haynie struggled with chronic fatigue. Finally, nutritionists during her college years found a solution?doubling her caloric intake to 3,500-4,000 calories per day.
College years
Haynie had the desire to play college basketball for the Michigan State University Spartans, but the first time the Spartans' women's basketball coach saw Haynie play, she was less than impressed. However, after a second demonstration, Haynie was offered a scholarship to MSU. During Haynie's senior year, the Michigan State Women's Basketball Team had an excellent season, capturing 33 wins against only 4 losses and going to the National Championship game. The team lost to Baylor University, but it was the first time in MSU's history that the Women's Basketball Team had made it to the finals.
WNBA career
Haynie was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs ninth overall in the 2005 WNBA draft. The Monarchs ended up winning the 2005 WNBA Championship in her rookie year.
On March 23 2007 Kristin married Paul Jeckerson.
She is the only player to have played in the NCAA finals as well as the WNBA finals in the same year. On February 6, 2008, Haynie was selected by the Atlanta Dream in their expansion draft.
Trivia
Although Haynie is right-handed, she has developed a strong left-handed layup due to a quirk of practice as a child. At her home, the driveway was only surfaced with cement on the left side of the basketball hoop, so she usually practiced her layups on that side.
At the end of her college career, Haynie's game statistics were: 574 assists, 346 steals, 601 rebounds and 1199 points.
Haynie was originally not chosen for the Spartans team. She was scheduled to try out at midnight, and was tired. Why the coach made her try out so late is unknown.
An array of Haynie's trophies and autographs are on display in Mason High School.
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