High Post Hoops
Fansided

WATCH: Why Lisa Leslie matters, now more than ever

By Arielle Chambers

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks poses for a portrait during the 2009 NBAE Circuit as part of the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 13, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER:User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images).
PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks poses for a portrait during the 2009 NBAE Circuit as part of the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 13, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER:User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images). /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next

“It’s just about the desire. We have choices in life and we get a chance to go out and inspire other people, but you also have to inspire yourself; it’s about self-love and believing in yourself…”

(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage) /

Basketball. Advocacy. Acting. Motherhood. Modeling. Entrepreneurship.  Leslie has made it a point to pursue passions outside of basketball. And that is important.

Leslie described people often trying to “pigeon-hole [her] to just playing basketball,” but made it a point to avoid the box in which they attempted to keep her. Because of her California roots, she was able to be on screen at a young age.

Starting in 10th grade, Leslie capitalized on Hollywood’s close proximity.  Leslie has appeared in other films such as Think Like a Man and television shows like One on One. She began a modeling career when internationally-known Wilhelmina offered her a contract.

(Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage)
(Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage) /

“Image is everything and I feel like we don’t value that enough,” Leslie said to LaChina Robinson during an Around the Rim podcast feature.  Her insight extends beyond simply picking out an outfit for the day. It’s presenting a personal brand.  “Now with social media, you get to see everybody’s hustle in a totally different way. I’ve been doing this for a long time.” And she has, as long as I can remember and even before.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Never once has Leslie thought to limit herself to a single thing. Never once has Leslie questioned if maintaining her appearance would have a negative effect on her on-court image and respect in the game. Never once has Leslie dimmed her light to appease others. Never once have I questioned my admiration for her.

I am a product of Lisa Leslie’s influence.  The WNBA matters. Representation matters.

Home/WNBA