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Legends Make Legacies

Legends Make Legacies

What a time to be alive to witness their greatness.

September 05, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Welcome to Melanin MVP 👋🏾, where we celebrate minority women athletes making history. I’m writing this week’s sports highlights as I sit in bed at 4AM. When you reach the last word, let me know! 🥂

Women to Watch 🏅

Maya Moore had her jersey retired by the Minnesota Lynx at only 35 years old (?!?!). She received gifts and praise from the Jordan Brand, as she should as the first female athlete to sign with the brand, in front of a roaring crowd. Her record speaks for itself, on and off the court.
Speaking of the Minnesota Lynx, Napheesia Collier had a career-high of 18 rebounds in their game against the Las Vegas Aces, making her the third player in the WNBA to out-rebound an entire opposing team.
Following up on our last newsletter, Jaylyn Sherrod has in fact signed a rest-of-season contract with the NY Liberty. I’m so happy for her!
Nikki Nieves, a sitting volleyball Paralympian, was the woman flag bearer for Team USA at the opening ceremony.
Brittni Mason wins silver in the T47 women's 100m final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. This marks her 3rd Paralympic medal.
Lily Yohannes wins Talent of the Year at the Eredivisie Awards. At age 17 she has already scored a goal on her United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) debut.
Taylor Townsend is having a field day in mixed doubles and women’s doubles at the US Open. She’ll be in the finals in both events.
Sydney Leroux hits the game-winning goal for Angel FC against the Chicago Red Stars.
Ji So-Yun is the first Reign FC player other than Megan Rapinoe to score a direct free-kick goal since Lauren Barnes in September 2016.
Brianna Pinto scored the game-winning goal for the NC Courage against the KC Current. This was the NC Courage’s second-highest-attended game of the season with 6,003 fans in attendance.
Angel Reese sets the record for most rebounds by a rookie player in WNBA history in the Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx game. Very tough loss.
Dewanna Bonner is now ranked 4th in all-time scoring in the WNBA. She is looking to lead the Connecticut Sun to their first franchise championship this season.
A’Ja Wilson is on pace to score 1000 points in a single season in the WNBA. After losing 4 games straight she started showing up in a white tee and going bananas on the court. She became the 4th player in WNBA history to record 3 or more 40+ games. I will be in uniform watching her next game.
Naomi Osaka had a tough loss at the US Open, but all is not lost. She debuted a few new outfits, a heartfelt letter to herself (yes for giving ourselves grace!), and a new commercial.
Black women swept the long jump event at the Rome Diamond League.
Team USA took home the gold in the Under 18 women’s basketball 3x3 event.
Jéssica Silva signed a rest-of-season contract with Gotham FC.
Tina Charles isn’t done breaking records. She records the first triple-double of her career with the Atlanta Dream.
The University of South Carolina WBB alumna are having a great time in the WNBA. Ty Harris and Aliyah Boston recently recorded 1000 career points in the league.
Trinity Rodman, Croix Bethune, and Ouleye Sarr appear to be feeling fresh after the Olympic break which is great news for the Washington Spirit. I’m more excited than ever to attend a game now.

This issue is brought to you by Grain & Gold.

Grain & Gold is a film production company telling underrepresented stories of every day, college, and professional athletes. Check out the trailer of our latest film, Trail Therapy, and stay tuned for the director's commentary and behind-the-scenes video coming soon!

Only Fans 🏟️

Alicia Keys and Serena Williams were in the stands at the US Open having a lovely time (probably thanks in part to Honey Deuce).
Coco Gauff couldn’t contain her laughter as she was interviewed by her fellow tennis player, Chris Eubanks.
Candace Parker was in attendance at the Angel FC vs. Chicago Red Stars game.
Francis Tiafoe sports a Washington Spirit soccer jersey ahead of his play time at the US Open.
Angel Reese (little) supports Angel Reese (big) at a Chicago Sky home game. Too cute.
Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas attend the Indiana Fever game, and this display of Black women's joy is incredible to see.
LeBron James gives A’ja Wilson a shoutout during her second 40+ point performance of the season.
Casey Krueger took her little ones to watch a Nationals baseball game while supporting Croix Bethune throwing the first pitch.
Tems attended a Dallas Wings game and was presented with a jersey with her name on it. I love it.
Olympic gold medalist TeeTee Terry was in the crowd during the Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever game.
Taylor Townsend made an appearance at the Black Girl Tennis Club x Racquet event. Yay for irl communities!
Sheryl Swoopes was in attendance at the Aces vs. Sky WNBA game. She’s been at the center of some very interesting conversations….

The Last Word 🥂

The hate and vitriol WNBA players have been receiving this season deserves way more than a small paragraph at the end of this newsletter. While I could lament at length about how unnecessarily racist, sexist, and vile many of the comments are, I don’t think that will necessarily change the hearts and minds of the newfound eyes that are now watching women’s basketball. As I’m writing this, I’m wearing a shirt from Playa Society that says “WNBA Black History Every Game.” Over 60% of women in the WNBA are Black women.

I’ll find the words to express what cultural change needs to happen in women’s sports as a whole to celebrate melanated athletes in the way they should be, but until then, this article does a great job of assessing the WNBA this season. I’m also willing to speculate the Kansas City Current might have a heart-to-heart conversation about their current ownership a la Power of the Dream.

From the referees, owners, and players, to the coaches, fans, and sports media folks – let’s make women’s sports a safe and fun place to be.

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