Imagine a world where being true to yourself wasn’t always easy. That’s the world I grew up in, Lennox, and it’s one of the reasons I’m writing this letter to you, my incredible son, on your second birthday. You’re growing up so fast, already looking like a three-year-old (and yes, I’m secretly hoping you’ll grow into a basketball star like your old mom!). Your curiosity and joy light up every day, whether you’re ‘helping’ me in the kitchen, climbing onto your stool to chop vegetables, or washing dishes with a determination that melts my heart. Watching you discover the world and find your passions is the greatest gift of parenthood. Who knows what you’ll love tomorrow—basketball, soccer, dinosaurs, or something entirely unexpected? I’m just grateful to be here for it all, witnessing you become the amazing person you’re meant to be.
You’ve already figured out that ‘Mommy does basketball,’ and you take it all in stride—the games, the locker rooms, the chaos. It’s surreal to see you laughing with the trainers, completely unfazed by the world I navigate. When I started my career, bringing kids around wasn’t the norm, especially for women athletes. But I never doubted that you’d be by my side. And this is the part most people miss: the delicate balance of motherhood and professional sports, the unspoken struggles and triumphs that come with it.
Let me take you back to where it all began—13 years before you were born. It was 2011, and I was a freshman at Duke, sitting in the bleachers at Long Beach State when I saw your mama, Tipesa, dominating the court. Our paths crossed again at a Sparks game, a chance encounter that felt like destiny. We became friends, then tried dating, but life got in the way. It wasn’t until 2013, when our paths crossed again in Berkeley, that something clicked. By my last semester at Duke, we made it official.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Growing up, I couldn’t fully be myself. Being true to who I was felt like a secret, even at Duke. It wasn’t until I met your mama that I felt brave enough to share my truth with the world. Yet, on the night of the WNBA draft, one of the biggest moments of my career, I couldn’t have her by my side. The world wasn’t ready for us yet. But fast forward to 2018, and I was ready to change that. I proposed to her on a boat in LA, surrounded by our closest friends. And weeks later, she surprised me by proposing back. On November 1, 2019, I married my best friend, the woman I fall in love with every single day.
Now, in 2026, as I reflect on my career and your second birthday, I’m struck by how quickly time flies. From playing alongside legends like your Godmom Candace in LA to making the bold decision to join the Las Vegas Aces, every choice has shaped our lives. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: What if I’d stayed in LA? Would we be where we are today? Trusting my gut led me to Vegas, where we didn’t just win a championship—we arrived. And it’s all thanks to the culture Becky built and the freedom she gave me to elevate my game.
As you grow, Lennox, I hope the world becomes more open-minded, where you can be unapologetically yourself. I hope you chase your dreams with the same confidence you have today, whether it’s basketball, soccer, or something entirely new. And when you read this one day, I hope you understand how much of a gift this life is. For now, I’m just savoring every moment of you being my little sidekick, cheering me on courtside. Maybe you won’t remember these days, but I will—every laugh, every adventure, every ‘I love you, Mommy.’
Love you always,
Mom
