Cameron Brink is all about uplifting herself and others. Though the 23-year-old missed out on most of her rookie season in the WNBA last year after tearing her ACL, Brink has made the most of maximizing her opportunities ever since — including the release of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition debut on Tuesday, May 13.
Cameron Brink is inspired by other women
Though she grew up with godbrothers Steph and Seth Curry on and off the court, Brink points to other women as the people who have inspired her the most. As she told Sports Illustrated, she didn't realize she could pursue professional basketball until her freshman year at Stanford, when she led in blocks per game.
Her basketball heroes include heavyweights and leaders like Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Lisa Leslie, and Breanna Stewart. She also cites her mother, Michelle, as someone who led the way for her from a very young age.
"I think you always have to look back at the women before you, my mom has definitely taught me that. I'm very thankful for those role models, because we wouldn't be where we are today without them," Brink explained.
She calls the Sports Illustrated shoot "empowering"
Though she has experience modeling, Brink admitted to suffering from body image insecurities in the past. "That's what made the Sports Illustrated opportunity appealing," she explained. "I think every female athlete has had a really rough go with body image, but I'm definitely glad I've gotten to a really good place, and I'm able to do stuff like this with SI Swimsuit. It's just very empowering, so I hope everyone can get to a point like this," Brink said.
Cameron Brink will return to the court this season
Ever since she was injured last June, fans have wondered when Brink, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2024, will return to the court for the Los Angeles Sparks.
In a March episode of her "Straight to Cam" podcast, Brink told co-host Sydel Curry-Lee that the mental recovery from the injury has been a challenge. "I went on a run the other day, running for four minutes and then walking for one minute. When I tell you, I’ve never been so gassed in my life!" Brink said. "I’m like, I’m not an athlete right now. The same thing with shooting—I’m not making shots; I feel like I’m just having to relearn everything."
During the WNBA Draft this year, ESPN's Holly Rowe said Brink is likely to return to the game in June. The timeline is pretty standard for an ACL tear and also indicates that Brink's recovery has been relatively smooth, despite the physical and mental struggles. Last season, Brink averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.3 blocks in only 15 games, and plenty of fans are hoping to see what she can do with more time on the floor.