Maya Moore
There are so many - namely black and brown bodies - who have experienced a different America than what the mainstream American flag symbolizes.
When I think of the most valuable coach, I definitely think of a coach like Geno Auriemma, and the things I learned from him that stick out in my mind are his passion for the game, competing at all the little things and doing it at a high level.
Like most kids, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and continue to work relentlessly to reach his iconic status on the court.
I lived in a kind of a middle class home, and I didn't really have a lot of experience with the justice system or prisons or really being aware of that world.
Every time there's a competition, I want to be able to dominate it.
I don't want to ever change my mindset and expect less of myself as a defender.
Eyeliner changes everything! I also think a little lip-gloss or lipstick can brighten up your whole look, even after a practice when your hair is still a little bit wet!
We are in a world where people are understanding that athletes and entertainers are citizens too. Some of us want to leverage our platform for good, and I want to be someone who is thoughtful and real about trying to influence people in a way that will lead to healthier communities and a better nation.
I loved watching Cynthia Cooper growing up when she played for the Houston Comets.
I think our criminal justice system has two problems. We have systematic problems and we have people problems. So if the hearts of people are not about justice than any system you have won't work.
Prosecutorial misconduct is one of the most detrimental problems in our criminal justice system, because prosecutors are essentially the most powerful actors in our justice system because they set the charges, they basically set up the rules of the game.
I play the drums, I love to sing. I'll make a beat anywhere - on the wall, on the floor - and I can have fun doing just about anything.
I have had such a unique experience in the game. I got to experience the best of my craft, and I did that multiple times. There is nothing more I wish I could experience.
I would say get to know somebody who isn't exactly like you and doesn't come from the same background as you, educate yourself and then just keep showing up. Finding ways to show up for people and your voice will come out of that relationship and out of your pursuit to seeing people who aren't exactly like you.
When I stepped away two springs ago, I just really wanted to shift my priorities to be able to be more available and present to show up for things that I felt were mattering more than being a professional athlete.
My favorite singer is Canton Jones, a gospel hip-hop artist - when I'm on the bus going to a game, I listen to him in my own little world, singing and dancing; he gets me ready to play every time.
One of my favorite things to do is teach kids to shoot a basketball. When they finally get it and their eyes light up, it's the greatest feeling.
My perception has changed from thinking if someone's in jail they're supposed to be, to there's a lot of factors that's not that simple.
You have to be able to bounce back and deal with disappointment, failure and weaknesses, and a lot of that happens behind the scenes for teams that are very successful.
Culture in general wants to connect ethical issues with consumerism. And we can see that overflowing into something that is consumed so much, which is sports.
Whenever there's something that that needs to be done for my team, I kind of come alive and get turned on and want to get it done.
Whenever I get a task I can focus on, I get excited for that.
You never want to see people disrespect anything that stands for honor.
I've been engaged in so many meaningful things. I've been full with family and ministry things.
When you invest in something for so long and you stop and have nothing to fill that space, it can be more of a crisis of identity.
It feels really great to finally be able to have the moment of being drafted No. 1.
I think I live in the land of high expectations after playing at Connecticut.
Every year the goal is a championship. That's what I expect.
I don't want to limit to the playoffs, I want to win a championship.
I've been learning about defunding our investment in police force mentality, and reinvesting in, what do young people need? What do people who get involved in drugs need, what do families need outside of money to take care of their families?
Our country comes from a centuries-long culture of dehumanizing black and brown bodies. So what role does racism play? A huge role. You can't downplay how deeply woven and embedded this is in our country.
I think that any time you get into an area where it requires humility, and accountability, it's gonna get touchy. And so I understand the reality of when someone says something that requires you to look at yourself and change, it's not easy.
As an Olympian, I wear that flag and I've gone all over the world. I've represented the United States, so I have a deep pride for our flag.
I think scarves are just wonderful. They can dress up any outfit.
Even if you don't become a professional athlete, the experience of working with a team, knowing how to set goals, and working every day to figure out how to accomplish those goals definitely gives you confidence to apply those same characteristics to other life challenges.
I love gospel, Christian R&B, and rap.
I don't think you can say that one aspect of my life built my perspective. It is a combination of my faith, my family, the people I've met at Connecticut and understanding that basketball is a platform for something bigger than the game, helping people, touching people's lives.
We truly do live in an amazing country.
Coming onto the Jordan Brand absolutely gives more attention to women's basketball and basketball in general.
I wanted to make it clear I wouldn't play in the 2020 season and the Olympics, but don't think it's the right time to put retirement out there.
I'm a basketball fan, I'm a fan of greatness and I think anybody who knows anything about basketball knows great shooters.
It's one of those things, you keep showing up, doing what you do, doing what you love to do, and fortunately we win the game - because you can't get the MVP if you don't win the game.
Everyone thinks about retirement at some point.
There are different ways to lead throughout a practice or a year. Whatever that moment needs is something I've always tried to be ready to do.
I'm going to be learning until the day I retire. There is so much to grow and focus on in this game of basketball that I'm never done.
I don't pay attention to a lot of people - I pay attention to a select few, and that's worked out well for me.
I think legacies are most meaningful with the impressions that a person can leave on a group of people.
I think there is so many elements of the culture of basketball that Jordan leads in and has been a leader over the years - from Michael's on court legacy to his work ethic, competitiveness, passion, and leadership.
I need to continue to be wise, be efficient and prepared for every game that I play leading up to the Olympics.