She's been deemed the "female Michael Jordan" for her phenomenal basketball skills.

So it's somewhat surprising Sheryl Swoopes is feeling anxious about Sunday's exhibition game against the Montana Lady Griz at 2 p.m. at Dahlberg Arena.

"As funny as it might sound, I'm actually pretty nervous," said Swoopes, who will be making her first and only appearance for the Idol Sports team. "I've played this past summer and I try to stay in shape. There are a couple of different leagues here in Seattle I play in.

"But this is a little different than playing open gym or pick-up. This is my first opportunity in a while to play healthy in a real game."

Imagine drawing the assignment to guard Swoopes, the first player signed by the WNBA and a three-time league MVP with over 2,000 points. Try not to think about those three Olympic golds and the 1993 national title run at Texas Tech that included two regional wins in Missoula.

Just do it. Like the slogan by Nike, which named a shoe after Sheryl called "Air Swoopes."

At least you can be sure Swoopes won't do any trash talking. She's a friendly sort - a great ambassador for her sport.

Just listening to the native Texan talk about college basketball and her '93 trip to Garden City is enough to get even the most casual fan stoked.

"It was an exciting time," she said of regional wins over USC and Colorado in Missoula. "People ask me what it felt like to win the championship, but it's not something you can explain. There are emotions you go through, they're something you hope you're lucky enough to experience even once."

For all her success in the WNBA - she led the Houston Comets to four titles - winning an NCAA title still stands out. She's proud to have laid groundwork for what college women's basketball has become with its parity and television exposure.

"The players are playing at a whole different level than they were when I was in college," she said. "Having players that can dunk and shoot the ball so well...

"Not to say we didn't, but the game has evolved. If you're not a fan, all it takes is watching one good game and you're going to be converted to a fan. Girls and women always tune in, but I feel we've finally gotten to the point where the male audience is greater than it was when I was playing."

Swoopes is a role model not only for her achievements on the floor but her courage off the floor. Four years ago when she announced she is gay, she opened herself up to the cruel and narrow-minded of this country.

"But I feel like it's been a huge burden that's been lifted off my shoulders where I can actually breathe," she said. "Not to have to live a double life, pretend I'm someone I'm not. And to be truthful with myself.

"Because I am who I am, I guess it was a big deal. I was so concerned with what it was going to mean to everybody else. But it's taught me how to believe in who I am."

Interesting words coming from someone you'd assume has a surplus of confidence. It just goes to show how elusive peace of mind can be, even for Swoopes.

It continues to be elusive for the 6-foot guard, who has unfinished business to tend. Being waived by the Seattle Storm last February is a sore spot.

"It took me a while to deal with it," she said. "I haven't given up playing.

"My plan is to play one more year in the WNBA and retire the right way. Hit every city, show all the fans how I appreciate all the support. I feel like I've done a lot for the game, the WNBA. For my career to end after an injury and not get to finish it the way I want to doesn't sit very well with me."

Even at the age of 38, Swoopes has a passion for playing that puts her high-priced NBA counterparts to shame. Whether it's competing for the Idol Sports team or seeking work in Europe, she'll do whatever it takes to prepare for one more run at the WNBA.

Such determination is impressive in someone who has so little to prove and so little to gain financially. But the way Swoopes loves her hoops, you get the feeling she'd play for free.

Sports columnist Bill Speltz can be reached at 523-5255 or bill.speltz@lee.net.