So when I showed up early from overseas my mom was really excited, even though I wasn’t. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be here with my family because its God plan, I just was disappointed at the way it went down. Even though I was cleared by 2 of the best Orthopedic doctors in Atlanta they didn’t think i was ready. My knee felt great but the team overseas thought I and needed another 2-3 weeks to get in better shape. Also, several of the teams native players were out with various injuries and they didn’t think the team would fair well in Euroleague. So after a tournament in Turkey it was clear to the team that with all the injuries they could not put the hopes of their season in a player who they felt was not ready to play. So with the threat of lost sponsors and a losing season it was decided that it would be best to honor the injury clause in my contract landing me where I am today, home. I would much rather be playing right now but, business is business and I probably would of done the same thing.

Working out is what I do! Yes, I’m in the gym a lot working on my game and getting my knee stronger. Each day I feel a burning desire to compete, that’s why I keep pushing on even when it gets tough. When you play hurt, like I did last summer, you learn to take short cuts. Now that I’m healthy I can do things full blast and I feel great. My trainer Dorian is awesome and his insight has really helped me fine tune my game. He challenges me to shoot for perfection. He is not just my trainer but one of my closes friends and knows how to light the fire in me.

With all the love in my life right now and the joy in my heart I know this is where I’m suppose to be. I’m having a blast.

“Difficult times don’t come your way just so you can survive them; God uses these times in your life to form and refine you”-Joel Osteen

The stranger finds no grace in her stride,
no beauty in her smile,
no strength in her aggression

in his educated mind,
no lesson could be found in her story

her earned build,
too strong
her clean skin
dull
her inherited stature,
awkward.

his eyes glance,
but see no gleam.
but they needn’t see it

undeterred, she keeps on
behind her stretches a bumpy
road,
clear with met challenges,
paved with dedication.

ghost of ancient rebels whisper the way,
with a brave heart and a curious mind,
she treads on because the instant that his vision informs her path,
We are all lost.

Femme Menace 2006

Now fast forward ten years I’ve been called and enigma, crazy, all sorts of rude things. I’ve battled with depression and nearly ended my own life. I’ve spent nights crying all alone asking God for help. I’ve walked away from the game I love so much twice. No one knew why not even my own mother.

I decided to take time away from the spotlight here in the U.S and go to Europe which serves as a hideaway for me. In two seasons away I traveled all over with friends and made up for lost times with family and faced my illness head on. I finally realized I couldn’t do it alone anymore and thank God I did.

This season has been a great one for me. I allowed the leader I have always been to shine bright and have done an amazing job. Guess it’s true adversity builds character and I’m so proud of the woman I’ve become and wouldn’t change anything. I feel so naked in a sense and comfortable about sharing my story knowing it gives someone else strength.

“I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for the truth, and truth rewarded me” Simone de Beauvoir