WNBA superstar reveals how she fought off hearing disability and bullies at school to make a name in basketball
So what if he father was an NBA star? Tamika Catchings never had it easy. Born with a hearing disability, she didn't exactly have a great time at school and college. That apart, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) didn't exist back then.
Catchings overcame these problems in style. Not only did she make a name for herself in the sport, but she also did her country proud by winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals.
Catchings was in the seventh grade when she decided to pursue a career in basketball. "I scribbled that I want to be a basketball player on my bathroom mirror and from that day on, it was much more than a goal. My dad (Harvey Catchings, who represented the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers between 1974 and 1985) did play professional basketball so we played ball on the playground," says the 35-year-old.
And by the time the WNBA was formed, she was already 17. 1996 when she was 17. "WNBA came in my first year of college. Right from the seventh grade to college, I wanted to play in the NBA. We didn't have the body or framework back then but I knew what I was going to do," says the forward who has donned the Indian fever jersey since 2002. She admires LeBron James and is also adept at budokan, a style of karate.
Catchings was often a victim of bullying. "I had to wear the huge hearing aids. Plus I wore these really big glasses and braces. I was the butt of all jokes in school and college. As a young girl, I really tried to fit in and be like everyone else. But I was bullied. It was hard growing up. And that's where sports came into the picture and became so important. It gave me an outlet that I could play basketball, soccer and be like everybody else. I knew that I could be really good if I put in hours of practice. Sports gave me an opportunity to improve my self-confidence, to become a leader, things like self-esteem. That's what young girls wanting to play ball can learn. You can't give up without giving the sport a try. You need the drive," says Catchings, who served as president of the WNBA Players Association in the 2012 season.
The five-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and 2011 MVP has announcing her intention to retire after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. "I got to make the team first. I'm hoping for a good season with Indiana. What happened at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 (Olympic Games) is in the past. Going out on a high will be the icing on the cake," said the 2012 WNBA champion.
She may have been in the game since 1998, but a certain individual seems to have caught her eye. "Barack Obama is one hell of a basketball player. We played ball during his presidential campaign. He wasn't 'Mr. President' then but boy did he have an aura! He is pretty tall and pacy. Don't let his looks fool you but he's got one hell of a left hand when it comes to shooting," she said.
KNOW CATCHINGS
DOB: July 21, 1979
Team: Indiana Fever
Height: 6ft 1nch
2012 WNBA Champion and Finals MVP
Honoured as WNBA top 15 greatest players of all time (2011)
2011 WNBA MVP
2009 Eastern Conference Champion
2012, 2008 and 2004 US Women's Basketball Olympic Gold Medalist
2002 Rookie of the Year
WNBA All-Star (2014, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2003)
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