The Women of March Madness

Photo taken by: Shane Bevel Acquired by: Courtesy of Getty Images

In honor of both March Madness and Women's History month, I felt it befitting to highlight a strong, talented woman who blazed the trail for every inspiring young lady who wanted to play basketball or any woman's sport. This bright, timeless icon who literally changed the trajectory of women's sports is Sheryl Swoopes.

Sheryl was the first to be drafted into the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) in 1997 after being named two-time All-American and All-Region selection at South Plains Community College, winning the NCAA Championship in 1993 at Texas Tech and playing for the USA Basketball league. In her career, she went on to win three WNBA Most Valuable Player Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards (2000, 2002, and 2005) and four WNBA titles (1997–2000), as well as being inducted to the National Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Sheryl’s a three time Olympian and also one of only three Lady Raiders to have her jersey retired by the team.

And it's convenient that my hubby is an avid sports fan and has re-sparked my fascination with the women making waves during March Madness. I see another young woman making an amazing impact in the WBNA just like Sheryl Swoopes—her name is Alexis Jones. She won the WNBA championship in 2017 and now plays for Atlanta. I'm looking forward to what the future holds for her, and may God continue to bless her and all who aspire to be like her.

I’ve never considered myself an athletic person and at 5'4", basketball was only something I played during P.E. in school. And even though no one ever threw me the ball and I was usually the last to be chosen on a team, I didn’t let that hold me back in life.

“No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.” — Sheryl Swoopes

All in all, remember there is more to us than what people see and we are resilient. Each of us has the ability to become #1 in whatever inspires us. We just need to remember that the future isn't about our personal endeavors but how we can inspire future generations to achieve their goals without compromises and inspire others with honesty, integrity and boldness to keep pressing forward to accomplish their dreams.

Be Greatly Blessed & Stay Groovy! Amy