My Sports Background

I’ve never been a sports guy. Growing up, I wasn’t the all-star quarterback or a star athlete and I honestly didn’t have a want to be. My athletic journey was limited to being on a swimming and diving team from grade school through high school, with skateboarding thrown in for good measure. While I can throw a baseball and shoot hoops, my knowledge of professional sports is minimal—I couldn’t name a standout player if he was pumping my gas and I’m not 100% position I could list all the teams.

A New Chapter: My Daughter’s Basketball Journey

While my daughter and I tried to watch the NBA together, it just didn’t resonate with us. The players often seemed uninterested, and the whole atmosphere felt overly materialistic. Instead of the excitement of the game, we were left with the impression that many players were more focused on their contracts and personal brands than the love of the sport itself. It was hard to get into it when everything felt so detached from the genuine passion for basketball.

A Game Changer: The WNBA

After seeing Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese dominate the media, I decided to give the WNBA a shot. What a revelation! The excitement of the game is palpable, with passionate fans cheering enthusiastically for their teams. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with energy as the players leave it all on the court. These incredible athletes play their hearts out from start to finish. Caitlyn Clark’s talent is undeniable, and Angel Reese’s defensive skills are impressive, but there are so many more amazing players to follow. Each brings a unique personality to the game, making it an absolute joy to watch.

Here are some standout players to check out:

• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
• Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
• Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever
• Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
• Dijon Carrington, Connecticut Sun
• Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces (And my personal favorite)

The Dark Side of Social Media

However, I must warn you about social media when it comes to the WNBA.   I gave X a try, thinking I could engage with fellow fans and cheer for players, but I was shocked by the amount of negativity. As a fan of Angel Reese, I found myself facing a barrage of hate online. My limited sports knowledge is rooted in the Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman era, and I’ve always had a soft spot for defensive players. I admire how they attack the ball and use their bodies to grab rebounds. But voicing my support for Reese turned into an unpleasant experience, with people ruthlessly tearing me down.  In hind sight, I shouldn’t suggest it only happens for the WNBA, this could very well be a complete sports deal.  I know it’s like this with politics which then makes me wonder; Why do we love social media so much?  It’s so hateful.  Of course I realize the irony of this whilst I type up this blog to add to my website and promote on social media. 

To me, sports and social media feel like a panic attack wrapped in a pretty package of entertainment. Maybe I’m too sensitive, but I couldn’t handle the negativity. Despite this, my love for the game remains strong—I even bought the YouTube package to catch all the action.

Conclusion: A Newfound Passion

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, I encourage you to give women’s basketball a chance. It’s filled with incredible athletes who bring athleticism, drama, and non-stop action to the court. These players compete with heart and determination, creating an electrifying atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just remember to tread carefully on social media—there’s a fine line between fandom and toxicity. Enjoy the games!

OH AND P.S.

The finals are starting soon…. So now is the perfect time!!