In a heartfelt revelation, WNBA star and two-time champion, she has opened up about her fertility journey and the unique path to parenthood she navigated. After a stellar career that began when she was the first overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, she has made significant strides both on and off the court. She recently signed with the New York Liberty in 2023 after leading the Seattle Storm to two championships, and her story continues to inspire many.
Her journey to motherhood reflects a modern narrative that emphasizes the importance of family planning. "I think it's really important for me to talk about my fertility journey because sometimes people aren't able to understand [that there are] other ways of family planning," she stated. By sharing her experience, she hopes to illuminate the options available to others who may be considering similar paths.
Her commitment to transparency does not end there. "That's why I wanted to be so open and genuine about it in hopes of helping someone else or making them feel more comfortable whenever they decide to go through their journey," she added. This candidness is particularly relevant as she and her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, also a professional basketball player, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ruby, via surrogate in 2021.
The journey to parenthood was not without its challenges. In 2019, she took proactive steps by freezing her eggs, making her future family planning more manageable. The couple navigated their respective careers while awaiting the arrival of their child. "Neither Marta nor I were particularly ready to carry a baby, which is okay," she shared, emphasizing that parenthood can take many forms.
Their remarkable journey reached a new milestone after her triumphant participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she helped secure a gold medal for Team USA. Immediately following the Olympics, she flew from Tokyo to Los Angeles: "I flew from Tokyo to Los Angeles and from LAX went straight to the hospital, basically," she recalled. The rapid transition from athlete to mother exemplifies her dedication both to her sport and her family.
As a professional athlete who has achieved significant accolades—including earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2016—her story serves as an inspiration for many. She is now a proud mom of two, balancing her roles as an athlete and a parent with grace.
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