WNBAs Angel McCoughtry on benefits of taking a forced break

WNBAs Angel McCoughtry on benefits of taking a forced breakWNBAs Angel McCoughtry on benefits of taking a forced breakAngel McCoughtry has learned that chasing her dreams doesnt have to come at the expense of her mental and physical health, and shes determined to share that lesson with anyone who will listen. The 31-year-old WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist took a break from basketball in 2017 to recharge and focus on herself. She left toxic relationships behind, and opened an ice cream shop (McCoughtrys) in Atlanta along the way. It welches a bold move for the five-time All-Star who had gotten used to playing basketball year-round, as a result of the WNBA season and playing overseas during off seasons.The Atlanta Dream forward returned to the WNBA for the 2018 season, signing a multi-year deal with the team. With the return of their franchise player, who scored a career-high 39 points against New York earlier this year, the Dream has had one of the best records in the league th is season. But McCoughtrys comeback season came to an early end after she tore ligaments in her knee earlier this month. Now, shes cheering on her teammates in the playoffs from the sidelines (Im going to give them all the energy I have for them to be successful and accomplish them winning a championship).I welches in a slump for the last two days and I was just like Damn, why is this happening, McCaughtry said, while resting in her home just days after the devastating injury. Taking what shes learned from her time away in 2017, McCoughtry is now calling the forced break a blessing in disguise. While she recovers and prepares for what she believes will be her greatest comeback yet, the 31-year-old with a sweet tooth for ice cream and a passion for inspiring the next generation of athletes hopes to figure out whats next for her beyond the WNBA.- - - Shondaland Why was it important for you to take time off in 2017?Angel McCoughtry It was just something my spirit told me to do. I di d it to recharge a lot of things, and I think I got to see a lot of things in my life that were wrong and right that I needed to change. When youre always on the go you dont have time to really reflect and think or see anything. I had a lot of toxic people around me. After I took off I separated from a relationship that was toxic. It really, really helped me to readjust and reevaluate my life to be the way its supposed to be.SL How have you learned to incorporate time for recharging into your busy schedule since your break?AM I know now how to get some peace of mind. You can think when you have quiet time. You can learn about yourself when youre by yourself. Now I take more time to do that. Before, I was always on the go and overseas for eight years straight. Even now with my injury, I gotta learn how to just sit down.SL Youve talked about being worried to tell your grandma that you were taking a break and how she was ultimately supportive of you doing what was best for you. Have yo u found that that continues to be the case with family and friends?People want us to live our truth. They want to see our struggles.AM Sometimes we do so much living for others. I was so worried about, Oh, my family isnt going to be able to watch me. They love watching me play. But, what about me? You have to live for yourself. For example, I did the ESPN Body Issue in 2014 and I was so worried about what my dad was going to say. I was going to turn it down but I said, You know what, Im going to just do it. I cant worry about what theyre going to say. And it was so tastefully done. I got so many compliments. Everybody loved it, and even my dad went, Well, I didnt want you to do it, but it was alright. The thing about it is people want us to live our truth. They want to see our struggles. We dont have to hide that.SL You have such a positive outlook following your injury, but youre still a competitor. Returning to the court only to then get injured has to be frustrating.AM Im devasta ted. We have a chance in the playoffs. This was a chance for me to win my first ring. This is a setback, but Im focused on how Im going to come back from this. People are watching. And Im going to show them that its not over.SL You opened an ice cream shop, McCoughtrys, in Atlanta with no financial backers during your time off. How did that idea come about?AM I love ice cream. I can eat it every day. I figured this is a way to give back to the community, give jobs to the kids and put smiles on peoples faces. I was in Turkey about three years ago and I started doing research on it. It took about two years to get it open. I put all my financial backing into it. I didnt have help from anybody, but here we are. I would say its definitely not easy but people have accepted it, they love it, and I think its been something really great for the community.SL Whats your favorite ice cream?AM At my ice cream shop we have an apple pie flavor and its so good. Im not a big fan of apple pie, but th is ice cream is delicious.SL Whats next for McCoughtrys?AM We got an offer from the University of Louisville where I went to school to open up the ice cream shop there. Im definitely working on that to hopefully open up a franchise in next spring. Fingers crossed.SL What have you learned as a businesswoman that youve been able to transfer to your role as an athlete?Were fighting for the younger generation that comes up in the WNBA to get paid what they deserve.AM One thing I learned is I want my employees to do well so people will come back and buy ice cream. Thats the same thing with us as players on the Dream. We have owners that want to sell tickets. We have to perform at a high level. We have to put a smile on their faces and show that were happy with what were doing. I never knew that until I got a business. Im like, wow, I have to give 110 percent every night on that floor because we have people backing us out of their funds to make sure we have a womens team in this city. We dont sell tickets like the men I feel like we deserve to but we dont. Owners are putting money into us every year and maybe theyre not always breaking even.SL Youve been open about the burnout that occurs from playing year-round, as well as wanting to see an increase in WNBA wages. Why is speaking out about that so important to you?AM I was on TMZ and they asked me about WNBA wages and I said I want to get paid more in my own country. I got all of these evil messages from guys. Youll never be like the NBA. Youre stupid. Get back in the kitchen. Where do these comments come from? I never said I want to make millions like the NBA players. What I said was I want to make more in my own country.SL Those comments havent discouraged you from continuing to be vocal about the issue.AM Were fighting for the younger generation that comes up in the WNBA to get paid what they deserve. I may not get that salary. I make $100,000 dollars in the WNBA. Im the No. 1 draft pick. So are Candace Parker a nd Mia Moore. They make the same. Theres no negotiation. But were fighting so that the girls five to 10 years from now can get their first million-dollar contract. Thats what I want to see. This is for them.SL You cant play basketball for the next six to eight months. What will you do until you can get back on the court?AM Im going to work on me. This is a good challenge. I want to do some basketball camps. I want to do some hosting, maybe some broadcasting and a little bit of acting. Im in the process now of diving into acting. I think that Im funny. I just think I want to have another hobby to express myself. Ive always thought if basketball stopped right now, what am I going to do? I could never figure it out - now I have no choice but to.This interview has been edited and condensed.Jewel Wicker is an Atlanta-based reporter covering entertainment and culture. Her bylines have appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue, Buzzfeed, Billboard and Atlanta Magazine.