Sheryl Swoopes, one of the WNBA’s most iconic figures, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in her career-finding out she was pregnant just as the newly-formed WNBA was about to launch. In a candid interview on the “Levels to This” podcast, Swoopes shared how the unexpected news of her pregnancy caused a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to uncertainty, as she prepared for a monumental professional and personal journey.
Swoopes, who was set to become one of the WNBA’s most prominent players after a stellar Olympic performance in 1996, said she took six home pregnancy tests before finally accepting the reality of her situation. “I was scared of becoming a mom. And also the league was about to start. I had signed a contract to play and now I’m pregnant. So my first thought was, ‘Now what?'” Swoopes said, recalling the mix of excitement and anxiety she felt at the time.
Navigating new territory: balancing career and motherhood
At the time, the idea of a woman balancing motherhood with a professional sports career was still relatively uncharted territory. Swoopes admitted to feeling the weight of that pressure, especially as the face of a brand-new league. She explained how navigating the unknowns of pregnancy, her career, and how the league and sponsors would react, added to her stress. “I had to talk to my agent, the league, my sponsors, everyone. And I didn’t know how they would respond,” Swoopes reflected.
The pressures on Swoopes were compounded by the fact that, unlike today, there were few conversations around maternity leave and support for pregnant athletes in professional sports. However, Swoopes persevered, playing the final weeks of the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 season, an impressive feat given the circumstances.
Legacy and progress for women in sports
Swoopes‘ experience as a pregnant athlete paved the way for future discussions about women’s rights in professional sports. Since then, the WNBA has made strides in supporting players during pregnancy, including the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020, which provides more resources and rights for athletes balancing careers and motherhood.
Still, Swoopes‘ story is a reminder that more progress is needed, as many preconceived notions about female athletes remain. As Swoopes looks back on her journey, she proudly acknowledges the challenges she overcame while also highlighting how far women’s sports have come in providing greater support for athletes juggling their personal and professional lives.
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