“I’m never out here trying to prove to others who I am. I’m out here proving to myself that I’m exactly who I said I am.” Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion
Pivot Family, We have had a lot of great conversations but this one is up there as one of our favorites because it’s so personal, covering so many life aspects we don’t talk about often and truly reveals the inner character of a remarkable woman who stands on strength and is fueled by passion and purpose. Ryan, Fred and Channing sit with former WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun point guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud, joins the guys for an emotional and powerful conversation about her journey through basketball, identity, social justice advocacy, and the fight for equality in women’s sports. Through her battle scars and experiences, we get to know the real side of this strong woman who found her voice at a young age and has never hid from who she is to use it.
Growing up biracial, in a predominantly white household and community, Cloud reflects on feeling like she existed in a “gray area”…never feeling fully white, never feeling fully black and how that shaped her outlook. Shedding some tears, she shares how much her parents mean to her and how they embraced her wholeheartedly even though it wasn’t always easy times. Cloud opens up about her self discovery to understanding her Blackness, the difficult conversations that came with it, and how her white parents made a constant effort to support her experience as a Black woman.
Energized and excited about the success and competition of playing in the Unrivaled league- Cloud is now gearing up for their next battle as she is at the forefront of the WNBA’s fight for better pay, benefits, and respect. She speaks passionately about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, the need for pensions, and the growing investment in women’s basketball. She also discusses this past WNBA season with the increased viewership and doesn’t shy away from speaking on aggressive play being criticized as something other than basketball.
Candid about her personal relationship with fellow WNBA player Isabelle Harrison, Cloud takes us through the challenges of being a Black gay woman, and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her identity while balancing societal pressures and criticism. By overcoming constant battles, Cloud finds strength in embracing who she is through thick and thin and never lets what others think be of influence.
The guys talk about Cloud skipping the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, the burden of constantly speaking out on important issues, and how she’s learned the importance of self-care, acknowledging that while she wants to fight for change, she also understands that she can’t pour from an empty cup.
This episode is about courage, resilience, and standing firm in who you are. Natasha Cloud’s story is a beautiful one of pride, courage, love, family and proof that playing basketball is bigger than sports. Finding purpose in using her platform for change, she’s a proven leader, and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her to leave the game and world better for future generations of young women.
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