This story appears in FCA Magazine’s May/June 2016 issue. Subscribe today!
Born: Oct. 30, 1986
Hometown:
Wilmington, N.C.
Position: Forward
Notes:
• Drafted eighth overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream
• First player from James Madison to play in the WNBA
• Attended the same high school, Emsley A. Laney, as Michael Jordan
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Being the baby of the family has its advantages (almost always getting my way) and its disadvantages (suffering defeat after defeat in backyard sports against my older brother and sister).
We grew up in Riegelwood, North Carolina, until my parents separated and we moved with my mother to Wilmington. I didn’t understand what was going on at the time. I thought we were just moving into a new home, but then all of a sudden my dad wasn’t coming home. It was a difficult time to learn how to live without my father, but my mother was a strong woman who cared deeply for us and provided for us. She took us to church and helped instill Christian values in us. If it wasn’t for her pouring into us, I don’t know where I would have turned later in my life.
My mother remarried when I was a senior in high school. My new stepfather was a good man, a pastor who took great care of my mother and me. It was so comforting to see my mother happy and to have a father figure in our home again.
During that same year, my basketball career was really starting to take off. A college scholarship quickly became a reality, but picking the “right” school was somewhat difficult. Staying close to my family was a big priority, but something kept drawing me to James Madison University, almost 400 miles away in Harrisonburg, Va.
In retrospect, I know God was directing my path to James Madison, but there was definitely a tough time of transition moving somewhere so far from home. It was difficult being on my own, and there were times I wanted to leave and go back to Wilmington. But it was there, with seemingly nowhere to turn, that I turned to God. He was always there for me, and His presence in my life during that very difficult time helped me grow in my faith. I rededicated my life to Him.
I was also so grateful for my stepfather during that period. Whenever I’d call, he would give me Scripture to read that would help me with whatever situation I was going through. He encouraged me to get involved with a local church, which made me feel like I was back at home.
The entire experience really developed my faith and trust and taught me to “rely on Him instead of my own understanding” (Proverbs 3). It also encouraged me to develop closer friendships with other girls on my team. Each season, I grew closer to my coaches and teammates, and they helped me adjust and became a sort of “family” for me in Harrisonburg. Enduring the maturation process can be painful and difficult, but the lessons learned through it we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.
After a successful collegiate career at James Madison, I was blessed to hear my name called as the eighth overall selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
My rookie year in the league went great. I averaged about 25 minutes per game and had a lot of success on the court. But the following year, everything changed quickly. My minutes diminished drastically, and—like during my first years of college—I lost my confidence and wanted to quit.
But again, just like in college, I turned to God and asked Him what He was trying to teach me. He helped me handle the adversity and even moved me out of the situation when I was traded during the season to Chicago, where I’ve been since.
I’m constantly learning and growing deeper in my faith and trust in the Lord. I’ve learned there are times where He might allow things to happen to us—things we don’t necessarily like—to turn our attention more fully back to Him. I’ve had so many struggles in this life, and I know I’ve only been able to endure because of my faith. I know He loves me so much that He would never leave me nor forsake me.
I truly feel God put me in this position in sports to show others that with Him anything is possible. It’s not about what man says or what man thinks. It’s about what God has planned for each one of us.
I want people who watch me play to see a strong woman who gives God the glory. I’m living to inspire others to follow their dreams and let God direct their paths.
-FCA-
Photos courtesy of the Chicago Sky