Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Denise Swoopes is a retired American professional basketball player. She was the first player to be signed in the WNBA, is a three-time WNBA MVP, and was named one of the league's Top 15 Players of All Time at the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game. Swoopes has won three Olympic gold medals. She was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth25 March 1971
CityBrownfield, TX
CountryUnited States of America
I had never made any plans beyond basketball.
I want to show kids, look where I came from. You can do it too if you believe and are willing to work hard.
Every level that I have ever competed on, I have risen to the top.
As a result of Title IX, and a new generation of parents who want their daughters to have the opportunities they never had, women's sports have arrived.
Players don't really ask for much or want much. But the things that they do need are important.
I like to see people doubt me.
I didn't grow up thinking, 'Oh, maybe someday I'm going to have a shoe named after me.'
For me, honestly, it's not about individual accomplishments, individual award. It's about what I've got to do and how I can contribute to the team.
Everybody wants to win.
I don't think it's tough to get there mentally. Your mind is saying, 'You know how to do this.' But your body doesn't always respond.
It's frustrating - not that I expect to be the same person I was 10 years ago, but I do expect to do certain things. In all honesty, my body for the most part feels really good. But at this point of my career, I have to rely on different parts of my game, knowing how to take some short cuts when you can.
I'm at a place in my life right now where I'm very happy, very content. I'm finally OK with the idea of who I love, who I want to be with.
My reason for coming out isn't to be some sort of hero,
I never really officially retired from the WNBA, I just left the doors open.