I'm pretty chill when I'm not on the court.
Maya Moore
I think our criminal justice system has two problems. We have systematic problems and we have people problems. So if the hearts of people are not about justice than any system you have won't work.
I'm very hard on myself. I'm the first person that'll say, 'Yeah I messed up.' And then I'll try to go out and fix it.
I listen to music on the bus or in the car on the way to a game.
I loved watching Cynthia Cooper growing up when she played for the Houston Comets.
That's kind of what my mindset has always been, just focus on every day, and making the most of each day.
One thing my fans don't know about me is how much I love guacamole! But it has to be a little chunky and just a little bit spicy.
I think a winner has to be a master of preparation, they have to be a master of connection, extremely competitive and have really high standards for themselves and the people around them.
I've been learning about defunding our investment in police force mentality, and reinvesting in, what do young people need? What do people who get involved in drugs need, what do families need outside of money to take care of their families?
Something that is unique to coaching young people is there is such a range of talent, skill development and personality. And it's important to coach age-appropriately. You want to instill the fundamentals, always. But the right fundamentals.
Our country comes from a centuries-long culture of dehumanizing black and brown bodies. So what role does racism play? A huge role. You can't downplay how deeply woven and embedded this is in our country.
We are in a world where people are understanding that athletes and entertainers are citizens too. Some of us want to leverage our platform for good, and I want to be someone who is thoughtful and real about trying to influence people in a way that will lead to healthier communities and a better nation.
Even if you don't become a professional athlete, the experience of working with a team, knowing how to set goals, and working every day to figure out how to accomplish those goals definitely gives you confidence to apply those same characteristics to other life challenges.
I've been engaged in so many meaningful things. I've been full with family and ministry things.
I think I live in the land of high expectations after playing at Connecticut.
Prosecutorial misconduct is one of the most detrimental problems in our criminal justice system, because prosecutors are essentially the most powerful actors in our justice system because they set the charges, they basically set up the rules of the game.
My favorite singer is Canton Jones, a gospel hip-hop artist - when I'm on the bus going to a game, I listen to him in my own little world, singing and dancing; he gets me ready to play every time.
I would say get to know somebody who isn't exactly like you and doesn't come from the same background as you, educate yourself and then just keep showing up. Finding ways to show up for people and your voice will come out of that relationship and out of your pursuit to seeing people who aren't exactly like you.
Like most kids, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and continue to work relentlessly to reach his iconic status on the court.
I think there is so many elements of the culture of basketball that Jordan leads in and has been a leader over the years - from Michael's on court legacy to his work ethic, competitiveness, passion, and leadership.
Whenever I get a task I can focus on, I get excited for that.
I like to get out in transition. That is one of my favorite aspects of the game.
I think the first team I ever played for was a YMCA team, probably around when I was seven years old. And really I have vague memories of it. I think, at that age, you're just trying to make sure the ball stays in bounds.
Red velvet cake is my absolute favorite. It has to be an actual slice of cake, not a cupcake; there's more surface area, so the icing ratio is higher.
For centuries in this country, black people were seen as three-fifths of a person. So when you hear the national anthem or you see an American flag as an African American person who has experienced the effects of that dehumanizing existence, it's not going to mean the same.
When I stepped away two springs ago, I just really wanted to shift my priorities to be able to be more available and present to show up for things that I felt were mattering more than being a professional athlete.
This is a fast-paced world we live in, especially the sports and entertainment industry. There is a constant demand for performance, for something new, something excellent. That doesn't just happen. You have to have enough inside to pour out.
I have had such a unique experience in the game. I got to experience the best of my craft, and I did that multiple times. There is nothing more I wish I could experience.
My coach at UConn, Geno Auriemma, taught me to take more risks, because in basketball, if you overthink things, the moment will pass you by. That's good advice for life off the court, too.
One of my favorite things to do is teach kids to shoot a basketball. When they finally get it and their eyes light up, it's the greatest feeling.
There are so many - namely black and brown bodies - who have experienced a different America than what the mainstream American flag symbolizes.
I lived in a kind of a middle class home, and I didn't really have a lot of experience with the justice system or prisons or really being aware of that world.
My perception has changed from thinking if someone's in jail they're supposed to be, to there's a lot of factors that's not that simple.
I think it takes different types of winners to maintain a winning culture.
You have to be able to bounce back and deal with disappointment, failure and weaknesses, and a lot of that happens behind the scenes for teams that are very successful.
Culture in general wants to connect ethical issues with consumerism. And we can see that overflowing into something that is consumed so much, which is sports.
I walk with the Lord, just trusting day by day and week by week and month by month, what the next season holds and what the best next move for me is.
Whenever there's something that that needs to be done for my team, I kind of come alive and get turned on and want to get it done.
I don't want to ever change my mindset and expect less of myself as a defender.
Every time there's a competition, I want to be able to dominate it.
You never want to see people disrespect anything that stands for honor.
When you invest in something for so long and you stop and have nothing to fill that space, it can be more of a crisis of identity.
It feels really great to finally be able to have the moment of being drafted No. 1.
Every year the goal is a championship. That's what I expect.
I don't want to limit to the playoffs, I want to win a championship.
I think that any time you get into an area where it requires humility, and accountability, it's gonna get touchy. And so I understand the reality of when someone says something that requires you to look at yourself and change, it's not easy.
As an Olympian, I wear that flag and I've gone all over the world. I've represented the United States, so I have a deep pride for our flag.
I think scarves are just wonderful. They can dress up any outfit.
I love gospel, Christian R&B, and rap.
Eyeliner changes everything! I also think a little lip-gloss or lipstick can brighten up your whole look, even after a practice when your hair is still a little bit wet!
