Images of Us Sports
Providing a Unique, Educational, Cultural & Athletic Experience for Girls and Women.
Blog/News Article
By Nikki Ward, IOU Sports Writer
Pictured: Bernell Hooker, IOU Sports Founder and CEO, Tamika Catchings, Nikki Ward, IOU Sports Writer
On Friday, March 25th, NWBL team, the Chicago Blaze, sweetened the end of a successful home game season with a sensational, foot-stomping victory over the Colorado Chill, scoring 94 points to the Chill's 78. With excitement floating through the gymnasium, I was able to sit with the very personable, WNBA all-star and Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings for a brief interview. Between autographing t-shirts and posters, and smiling for photos with devoted fans, Tamika graciously answered questions among a crowd of admirers.
When asked if she has a routine preparation for games, she says, "No, not really," stating she doesn't want to have to stick to a routine that if missed, could possibly affect her game and the way she plays. If not a player in women's professional sports, the answer to an alternative career comes easily - she would definitely work in sports and with kids. Tamika said she "loves working with kids", which was an immediate segue into discussing her "Catch the Stars" foundation, www.catchin24.com. By the enthusiasm in her voice, the passion for her foundation was clear.
Developed in 2004, the foundation's mission is to motivate kids 8-16 through academic and sports related programs. Tamika desires to "make a difference" she says, by focusing on the community and getting to know kids in Indianapolis.
I asked Tamika the most exciting place she has traveled to and her response was Athens, Greece, referring to her Olympic triumph in 2004. Along the same line, when I asked the talented star how it felt to win the WNBA rookie of the year title in 2002, she said, "it felt good!"
In her spare time outside of her sports-related commitments, Tamika says she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend of 8 years, and reading novels, with E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey as her favorites.
Volleyball, soccer, and tennis are sports Tamika enjoys. She laughed when admitting she "wasn't very good" when she took gymnastics in her younger years. Her advice to young girls seeking to excel in sports is to set goals and follow through. Thanks to Title IX and women in sports who came before, she says doors have been opened for women and sports today. Currently, Tamika's personal goal is to be the first female general manager in the NBA.
Unable to name just one, Tamika told me of two favorite memories in her basketball career thus far. Understandably, she first lists her gold medal win in Athens as a career highlight. Another unforgettable moment was her 1995 Stevenson High School Illinois state championship win with her sister, Tauja Catchings.
With amazing achievements in an already exceptional career, one can only wonder with anticipation of what's next on the horizon for Tamika Catchings. Anxious fans and followers look forward to finding out.
Comments
Hi Carl Tee
Thank you for your email; unfortunately, we do not give out contact information on those we interview. I'm sure it was a great experience meeting Tamika and Tauja; please continue to support the WNBA and enjoy the great action.
Yours in Sports,
Bernell
Trying to Contact Tamika Catchings
I had the priviledge of going to the Phoenix Mercury game against the Indiana Fever. I got the tickets from my sister who is a season ticket holder. I was five rows up from the floor and tried my best to make contact with Tamika. I met Tamika and her sister (Tauja) when they visited Phoenix. I think it was around 2000. I met them in Scotsdale and took pictures with them. I had a copy of that pic for Tamika and one for her to autograph for me. I gave the pic to a security person and the pic was given to a person they told me was the manager. He said he would make sure she received the pic after the game. I sincerly hope she got the pic since she and her sister looked so cute with thier beautiful smiles! Im sure she probably has a boyfriend and I dont pose a threat. I only wanted to see and chat with her since she has done so well in the WNBA. If she did get the pic it would be nice to know. Im the guy in the pic with Tamika and Tauja. Nice game Tamika and best wishes in your already brillant carrer!! Peace and Love , Carl Tee
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