She also played on the U.S. Olympic team . Even Coach Summitt used to have to yell at me on the court because she thought I was just going through the motions, she said. Its taking a part of you thats not so good and really sharing it with the world, she said. Chamique Holdsclaw, 41, played in the WNBA for 11 years six of them with the Washington Mystics and was a WNBA all-star six times. And I dont get upset with myself so much when I fail at something. Chamique Shaunta Holdsclaw a.k.a. Multiple sources suggest that this attack was done out of Holdsclaw being upset over their breakup in 2011 after a four year relationship. The duo had their first date in the NCAA Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where they actually fell for eachother. [Tennessee womens basketball coach Pat] Summitt used to tell us: Be accountable. Or: Man, remember when you were doing this and that? Whatever those behaviors were. He appeared in the film talking about his own struggles with mental health, which he revealed when he thanked his psychiatrist after the Lakers won 2010 NBA title. Its fairly remarkable and indeed its probably the only time I remember where a president of a league would say something about a rookie who hadnt yet played a game.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2009-2018 PlayerWives.com, All Rights Reserved. She married her wife, Cara Wright, in July 2018. But, at least outwardly, that was the only sign of trouble. I just focused on getting well, because it was scary. Its a changing of times, and Im glad to impart any wisdom I can., The journey from Queens to where she is today hasnt been easy for the 42-year-old Holdsclaw, but she embraces it with perspective. Chamique Holdsclaw (born September 09, 1977) is a forward for the San Antonio Silver Stars. People are coming to my house and its like an out of body experience like Im not there, she said. A two-time national player of the year in addition to her three national championships, she was a four-time WBCA All-American, the No. I dont want people to think that Im crazy.. Nov 17, 2012. And Wright expressed feeling profoundly seen by the woman she loves. Distracting everyone. Holdsclaw was named a High School All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Eligibility restrictions apply. And [she] is good at making me be present and not dwell so much on the past or stressors of the day.. At the time, her escape was sportsbasketball. I remember, in D.C., I became really paranoid that people were going to know. Inducted into the Womens Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, Holdsclaw, who became eligible for Springfield in 2015, is still waiting to be enshrined. After posting a $100,000 bond, the former basketball player was released from jail, and a court date was not set. She started back drinking. Getty Images "When people see that a person has mental issues, you hear the word 'crazy . She becamethe schools all-time leading scorer and rebounder, male or female. Thats when Semeka Randall took over the huddle, turning to teammate Chamique Holdsclaw. I mean, I would have tuned in to watch her play.. You keep things inside, it explodes. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. She won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and she guided the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to three NCAA titles (1996-98). This happily-ever-after moment comes years after Chamique was dealing with personal turmoil. Both women played basketball, so a large group of women hoopers were present during the nuptials to show support and were even part of the bridal party. WNBA Legend Chamique Holdclaw discusses relationship with Jennifer Lacy, Steve Francis and becoming a spokesperson for mental health. For us to sit there and pull back those layers two old friends just kicking it, being real with each other, said Holdsclaw. Shes on the road a lot, speaking at college campuses about mental health. In addition to mom duties, Holdsclaw is joining the podcast universe with her new show, Tremendous Upside, from APM (American Public Media). Womens Basketball Hall of Fame hooper Chamique Holdsclaw is on a new journey with her Tremendous Upside podcast. This article was published more than4 years ago. 1 team! The big transition: Holdsclaw talked . Gambling Problem? Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Holdsclaw finished the season and returned to the Sparks in 2007, but abruptly retired after five games to address her mental health issues. Shes looking forward to sleeping in her own bed and relaxing in the quiet that she has finally found. While attending Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York, she played for the school's women's basketball team, and led them to four straight New York State Championships in basketball. She was the Rookie of the Year in 1999. Holdsclaw stated she definitely considered a return to the WNBA if healthy, and did. Off the court, Holdsclaw never entered the public eye, until November 13, 2012 when she was accused of a violent crime in Atlanta, GA. Chamique Holdsclaws ex girlfriend, Jennifer Lacy, is currently in the WNBA. Cara always makes time to make me feel heard and appreciated.. Two days later, she signed with the San Antonio Silver Stars. Shes the person who spoke out about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the person who will likely be more well-known to the next generation of young basketball fans as someone who speaks out about mental illness a brave stand that perhaps transcends basketball. The USA won all eight games, including the gold medal game against host Australia to win the gold medal, although Holdsclaw had a stress fracture in her right foot and was unable to compete. Their wedding was attended by family, friends, and plenty of familiar faces from the womens basketball community: Murriel Page, Dominique Canty, Edneisha Curry, and Brittany Jackson. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. The new mother discusses her latest endeavor. She averaged 16.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in her first season. Holdsclaw returned to the court in 2009 for the Atlanta Dream and played her final season for San Antonio before retiring for good in2010. The 2023 WNBA season is right around the corner, and with teams beginning training camp on Sunday, there are a handful of players who project to have more on their plates when the games officially begin. There were six All-Star nods. On June 11, 2007, only a few weeks into the 2007 WNBA season, she surprisingly announced she was retiring and did not immediately provide any explanation as to her sudden departure.[8]. But Chamique Holdsclaw has struggled with mental health problems and bipolar disorder. But when you put something out there like that, it gets exposure to more and more people., Since Holdsclaw has been speaking out about mental illness, shes been re-connected with Metta World Peace, her childhood friend who has also been open about his mental health issues. [1] She announced her retirement from the Los Angeles Sparks on June 11, 2007,[2] though she eventually came out of retirement to play with the Atlanta Dream for the 2009 WNBA Season. She tells her story and. "I definitely think Chamique Holdsclaw should be worthy of the Hall of Fame," said Nikki McCray-Penson, . Its hard because youre coming from such a winning program and a winning tradition and youre going to a situation where you lose so much, but I think she handled it great, said agent Ticha Penicheiro, who played against Holdsclaw with Old Dominion in the 1997 national championship game and had a successful 15-year run in the WNBA. Gambling Problem? [7] After this selection, Holdsclaw gained the distinction of being the first, and only, female athlete to appear on the cover of SLAM magazine. Previously, Holdsclaw dated fellow WNBA player Jennifer Lacy. Since then, Holdsclaw, who did not return phone calls or requests for comment for this story through friends and ex-teammates, has worked tirelessly as a mental health advocate. I put a lot of thought into it. I sat on the couch in the darkness for days eating Fruity . One of the 8 people to ever play in the WNBA that I can name (8 is generous), is Chamique Holdsclaw. List of NCAA Division I College Teams and APR scores, All-time WNBA standings: No. Zia Cooke starts a new chapter in Los Angeles. Currently, she serves as a mental health advocate. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. ' Randall said. They wanted it presented in my own voice. Holdsclaw, from Queens, New York, won four state titles at Christ the King High School and was the unquestioned top collegiate prospect in the country. (APM) has been first-rate. Further, she holds an American nationality and is of Afro-American ethnic background. I definitely think Chamique Holdsclaw should be worthy of the Hall of Fame, said Nikki McCray-Penson, the head coach at Mississippi State and a Tennessee graduate who was a teammate of Holdsclaws with the Mystics. In 1998, Holdsclaw received the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States. Your email address will not be published. The forty-two years old is an openly lesbian and currently married to NBA executive Cara Wright. Follow KK Ottesen on Twitter:@kkOttesen Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Cara Wright is the Director of Business Operations for the NBAs G League affiliate to the Los Angeles Clippers and a professor of sports management. The 2023 WNBA season is right around the corner, and with teams beginning training camp on Sunday, there are a handful of players who project to have more on their plates when the games officially begin. During her subsequent seasons in the WNBA, Holdsclaw continued to improve her numbers. Its kind of like my situation. What happens when an athletes body is in peak condition but the mind is throwing flags? Like, Oh, my God. No. Holdsclaw also won the Naismith trophy for player of the year twice, in 1998 and 1999 and posted a 13117 winloss record during her remarkable career as a Lady Vol. So I have to be verbal in saying when it makes me uncomfortable or remove myself. Three years later, Holdsclaw is featured in a new documentary, MIND/GAME: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, which aired on the LOGO channel. Her growth in sharing her story is amazing and her capacity to listen and start the conversation about mental health awareness is incredible.. And my grandmother noticed it, and she actually took me . And I feel good about that. Void in ONT. And the woman, she was like, Two or three times NCAA player of the year. The roots of Holdsclaw's depression can be traced to her difficult childhood. Were there for her, were always going to support her because of what shes meant to us.. Being truly seen, and in a positive light, is what a love relationship should provide for anyone lucky enough to enter into such a union. Wright says she was star struck by Holdsclaw immediately, but then found herself pleasantly surprised by the conversations they shared. Chamique Holdsclaws new podcast offers Tremendous Upside for discussions about mental health, 10 WNBA players whose production could take a leap in 2023. While fans were cheering for their favorite teams, a real-life love-and-basketball situation was simmering in the stands. Also, she played for Atlanta Dream and San Antonio Silver Stars before retiring in 2010. Nonbinary student banned from prom for wearing a suit. And for me, psychologically understanding that its a beautiful struggle. She says the arrest uncovered old, unhealed wounds from when she was taken, at age 11, from her . Less than two decades earlier, Chamique Holdsclaw had been the female Michael Jordan. This is my life. But shes no longer wants to be known for that. She got a call from Babby, now the President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns, who connected her with Rick Goldsmith, a two-time Academy Award nominee, who wanted to delve deeper into her story. Not at all. She set new scoring records at Tennessee and in the SEC. What happened? And I just explained to her what happened, Holdsclaw said. Im just really happy, she said. And it doesnt. Thankfully, she wouldnt face a day in jail for the incident after pleading guilty and obtaining probation. She had spent the morning promoting the documentary on DC news stations, where shes still a big enough celebrity that people asked to take selfies with her. Holdsclaws dominance remains undeniable: Twenty-one years after she graduated from Tennessee, she still is its all-time leader with 3,025 points, 1,295 rebounds and 1,233 field goals made. Holdsclaw was released from jail after posting a $100,000 bond and a court date was not set. With the team, she earned WNBA Rookie of the Year, 4X WNBA All-Star, 3 All-WNBA Second Team, and 2 WNBA rebounding champion until 2004. And I hope you dont take this personally, but youre not good for me at this time and place in my life. Like, you have people that say, Man, you remember that time in D.C. when you were, like, missing? That makes me very uncomfortable, because Im on from that. Former WNBA star Chamique Holdsclaw on the stigma of bipolar and becoming an advocate, Exonerated man, freed after 28 years, reunites with pen pal who wrote him weekly, I wanted to face my deepest fear, so I suited up and flew to the Arctic. She handled it with grace because its not easy when youre coming from a program and youre winning championships and then you go into your pro (career) and you lose so much. Cara Wright: Probably the most irksome habit is that I like to watch basketball all the time and Mique has to have a personal attachment to be interested in watching a game! Her inner circle is small now. We were the ticket. She liked to go to shooting ranges with her friends it was a sport, a thing to do, a way to blow off steam. Latter, Holdsclaw propose Wright at the very location where it all began: Lucas Oil Stadium. You have become a mental health advocate, open about your [bipolar] illness and sharing your story with others. I created a video from all the pictures and videos throughout our relationship and got down on one knee, said Holdsclaw, boasting that the proposal came as a total surprise for Wright. In the 1999 WNBA draft, Holdsclaw was selected by the Washington Mystics 1st overall. 1998 FIBA World Championship for Women Gold medal, Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year winners, Southeastern Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Year, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Associated Press Women's College Basketball Player of the Year, USBWA Women's National Player of the Year, List of NCAA Division I women's basketball players with 2,500 points and 1,000 rebounds, List of NCAA Division I women's basketball career scoring leaders, List of NCAA Division I women's basketball season scoring leaders, "Chamique Holdsclaw signs with San Antonio Silver Stars | WNBA", "Six-time WNBA All-Star Holdsclaw retires", "Past WBCA HS Coaches' All-America Teams", "WBCA High School All-America Game Box Scores", "Official 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four Records Book", "Mystics Select Holdsclaw With No. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). It was like watching Pete Sampras play tennis because it seems like hes not working, right, but really its just smooth. Were counting down the list of all the WNBA teams ever from worst to best! Tamryn Spruill: What is Chamiques most irritating or irksome habit? Like, first, Im 41 now. But I accept this is what I had to go through to be able to share. Holdsclaw was inducted into the Womens Basketball Hall of Fame on June 9 of this year. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft that spring because of the dissolution of the competing ABL, dozens of established players were also eligible to be selected yet the Mystics still drafted her first, bypassing players such as Yolanda Griffith, DeLisha Milton and Dawn Staley. I am so proud of Chamique for sharing her story and being a voice to the voiceless, advocating to end the stigma of mental illness, Cara said. Tremendous Upside is one of the few sports podcasts in APMs lineup, and it holds its own. She is due back in court on November 30. And then youre drinking and stuff and thinking thats going to make things better. I have shelter, Ive seen the world, Im happy.. Holdsclaw wasnt the unquestioned No. Tremendous Upside reveals a side of top athletes never shown in their highlight clips. Such understanding and care is what Chamique loves about her new bride. Holdsclaw, who played 12 years long in the WNBA, has an estimated net worth around $0.5 million as of 2019. During her time at Tennessee, Summitt referred Holdsclaw to a team psychologist and for additional help off-campus. Chamique Holdsclaw played 10 WNBA seasons, snagging the league's scoring record in 2002 and rebounding records in 2002 and 2003. You should not be ashamed. Thats when the depression seemed to take over. Holdsclaw was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to pay $3,000 and serve 120 hours of community service. Im not trying to dress this up. mesurer votre utilisation de nos sites et applications. I think we were the team people wanted to see, said Kellie Harper, Tennessees point guard during Holdsclaws tenure and now the Lady Vols coach. Jennifer Lacy released a statement on Twitter saying, I want to thank my family, friends, fans and Shock family for their concern during this difficult time, she tweeted. One label she cannot claim? Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. She began her autobiography, Breaking Through: Beating the Odds Shot after Shot, self-published in 2012, by detailing how she tried to commit suicide in 2006 by overdosing on her depression medication. Holdsclaw and Wright met at a basketball camp in Africa, where they promised to keep in touch as a friend. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Like, Beast Mode Mique.'. You know, not just in Knoxville where wed have sellouts, but every game there were people there. She was the first woman to appear on the cover of Slam magazine when, for the October 1998 edition, she was photographed wearing a New York Knicks jersey. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Chamique Holdsclaws girlfriend (ex) Jennifer Lacy. A little more than a week later, Tennessee rolled over Louisiana Tech in the final to cap a 39-0 season and become the first womens basketball team to win three NCAA titles in as many years. She was a three-time national champion in college and later starred in the WNBA. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She continued to thrive on the court. In doing so, Holdsclaw and Wright are potentially offering hope to someone who is ready to give up or courage to someone currently drowning in fear. 1 overall WNBA draft pick by the Mystics in 1999, Chamique Holdsclaw was rookie of the year that season and led the league in scoring and rebounding in 2002. In the past, she dated fellow WNBA player Jennifer Lacy. Its not something that I should be ashamed of or embarrassed about. With homophobia still rampant in this society, visibility is important and visibility saves lives. She had it because she lived in Atlanta, and her stepfather told her that she needed to protect herself. I was really good at basketball. Chamique Holdsclaw Opens Up About Relationships With Jennifer Lacy, Steve Francis & Mental Illness - YouTube WNBA Legend Chamique Holdclaw discusses relationship with Jennifer Lacy, Steve. Im not 20-something. 23, was a cant-miss phenom. In her first season, Holdsclaw already has interviewed childhood friend Metta World Peace, soccer star Briana Scurry and NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins, to name a few. Oh wow, honored, but taken aback, said Holdsclaw of the offer. Net Worth Holdsclaw, who played 12 years long in the WNBA, has an estimated net worth around $0.5 million as of 2019. [18], Holdsclaw pleaded guilty June 14, 2013 to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and other charges. Despite that, her WNBA teams finished with a combined .445 winning percentage; in comparison, she went 131-17 at Tennessee for an .885 winning percentage. People got to see how amazingly talented she was, and I think that was a big draw for continuing to watch. In 2006, she was rushed to the hospital for a suicide attempt which she kept from her teammates until she revealed it in a 2012 autobiography. Zia Cooke starts a new chapter in Los Angeles. WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw just pled GUILTY in that crazy attack on her ex-GF -- where she FIRED A GUN inside the woman's car . The Dream lost to the Detroit Shock. AP Photo/Knoxville News-Sentinel, Byron Small. It was nerve wracking, though. Chamique Holdsclaw's depression was triggered by the death of her grandmother in June 2002. Nike inked her to a five-year endorsement deal with a reported annual payout of more than $500,000, or about 10 times her WNBA salary. Lacy told police that Holdsclaw then attacked her vehicle with a baseball bat, and fired a gun into the car before dousing the vehicle in gasoline in an assumed prelude to setting fire to the car. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Chamique Holdsclaw, a Tennessee women's basketball and WNBA legend, dropped in to offer words of encouragement and discuss her time playing under Pat Summitt. After the interview, she lingered at the coffee shop a bit to talkabout the current state of the WNBA and basketball in general. She says she had no memory of what happened next, but itforever changed her life: According to police reports, Holdsclaw walked to the back passenger window of Lacys Range Roverand fired across the SUV. I am very grateful for the career I have enjoyed in amateur and professional basketball and will take many fond memories with me. For a reason, Holdsclaw had to grow up fast and take the responsibility of the household as normally as possible. Its given me a place where Im living in my truth. She had just gone into a rage and smashed the windows of her ex-girlfriends car with a baseball bat. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. She won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympic. One of the most legendary names in basketball has been one of strongest mental health advocates in all of sport. That this is just my journey. It was fun. But this is still a recovery. This Week in Womens Basketball: Brittney Griner aiming to bring all wrongful detainees home. The only thing I could think about was putting it to my head, she said. That covered a lot of stuff up, and I failed to really deal with the illness. I was like, Can I say something? Basketball was where everything felt easy. At first I was like, Whatever. That whole denial phase you go through. When Holdsclaw initially was approached by APM, she thought it was just for an interview, not an invitation to host her own podcast. But you have to deal with the ugliness, too. The big thing has been accepting responsibility. I love how Mique sees me, said Wright. But now the gun was her way out. She was also picked as one of the 5 greatest players in the SEC of the past 25 years. She loves when I make red snapper, but Im a low-key a chef when I want to be. Holdsclaw was born to parents: William and Benita, who were ill-prepared for their first parenthood. Holdsclaw was a member of the National team who traveled to Berlin, Germany in July and August 1998 for the FIBA World Championships. Because of the relationship Chamique and I had, I was like, We need you. She literally went to another level. Below are a few of the insights Holdsclaw provided. It was like living two lives., It was always something bothering me, she added later. Thats just how he plays.. And then you go back home. It was a negative thing, a stigma. I knew something was up but definitely wasnt thinking it was going to be a proposal.. No. She is now a mental health advocate and the subject of the. Her grandmother, who raised her, died in 2002. In her first season, she was named the Rookie of the Year, the first number one draft pick to win that honor. She went to see Summitt, who at that point had already been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers but had reached out to check on her. She lists eight friends, including her college roommate, with whom shes remained close. People said I was crazy for trying to help myself. (For a full, rich look at Holdsclaw, please also read Allison Glock's piece on the 40-year-old star.) She thinks I can do anything and I feel so positive, confident and supported with her in my corner. Yet, from toilet paper rolls to toothpaste tubes, most couples have a mundane conflict or two, and here are theirs. Years later, Chamique would take them both back to that same stadium to ask Cara to marry her. (Ned Dishman / NBAE via Getty Images), Check out the rest of the Snubbed: The Hall of Fame case for series here. Television loved us. Required fields are marked *. On March 21, 2005, Holdsclaw was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for DeLisha Milton-Jones. 1. For someone who was so accustomed to winning in college, one thing eluded Holdsclaw in the pros: a championship. [4] She participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game in 1995, scoring eight points.[5]. On November 15, 2012, Atlanta police issued an arrest warrant against Holdsclaw after she allegedly attacked her Lacy's car with a baseball bat and shot at the vehicle where Lacy luckily got uninjured. 1. They welcomed their first child, a . As of late June, she was averaging 14.4 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. Being in the media for a while now, I dont really like to hear myself talk, she explained. Holdsclaw's attorney Ed Garland said his client "felt that to honestly accept what her actions were was best for everyone concerned". 10 WNBA players whose production could take a leap in 2023. She won three championships in a row at the University of Tennessee during what could be considered the. CHAMIQUE HOLDSCLAW: Probably at the age of I would say 9 or 10.