Sheryl Swoopes Quotes

For me, honestly, it's not about individual accomplishments, individual award. It's about what I've got to do and how I can contribute to the team.

I don't think it's tough to get there mentally. Your mind is saying, 'You know how to do this.' But your body doesn't always respond.

Some people might say my coming out after just winning the MVP award is heroic, and I understand that.

TV is what sells your product.

To me, the most important thing is happiness.

I've always been a firm believer in mind over matter. If you don't believe you can achieve, your body will start to believe this and you'll be stuck.

If you do not believe yourself no one else will.

I never really officially retired from the WNBA, I just left the doors open.

I like to see people doubt me.

I was very bitter, frustrated, hurt, angry - I went through all types of emotions when I first was out of the WNBA.

Sexuality and gender don't change anyone's performance on the court.

My reason for coming out isn't to be some sort of hero,

Women play just as hard as guys do. We're just as competitive.

Being gay has nothing to do with the three gold medals or the three MVPs or the four championships I've won. I'm still the same person. I'm Sheryl.

It didn't matter how good I was. It was always, 'You're a girl. You can't play with the guys.' It's always been motivation for me.

Discovering I'm gay just sort of happened much later in life.

No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.

I have accomplished everything I set out to accomplish when I started playing the sport at 7. And probably even more.

I had never made any plans beyond basketball.

I'm at a place in my life right now where I'm very happy, very content. I'm finally OK with the idea of who I love, who I want to be with.

Be positive and work hard. I think it's possible to overcome anything, if you're willing to work at it.

There are so many women out there relying on me to represent them.

You have to be positive, and I'm not just talking about athletics, this also applies to life.

I can't help who I fall in love with. No one can.

Players don't really ask for much or want much. But the things that they do need are important.

I always believe someone somewhere is working harder than me and that motivates me to work harder, give 100%.

Everybody wants to win.

Every level that I have ever competed on, I have risen to the top.

Dream big work hard.

I never thought a basketball shoe would be named after a woman, let alone me.

I didn't grow up thinking, 'Oh, maybe someday I'm going to have a shoe named after me.'

I don't want to have to hide from the world anymore.