Before heading to Paris for the Summer Olympics, Sparks forward Dearica Hamby shared her story with young athletes. She was a member of a panel discussion hosted by the Women’s Sports Foundation.
The organization recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to create an Ambassador Program event where youth can glean from iconic women in sports and participate in a basketball clinic.
Hamby was on a panel with basketball icon Angel McCoughtry and flag football star Diana Flores. NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger moderated the panel. The panelist and moderator talked about their backgrounds and gave advice to the youth.
When asked about the transition of going from a student athlete to a pro athlete, Hamby noted how important it is to believe in herself.
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“Growing up, I didn’t necessarily have these resources. I don’t think anybody my age did,” Hamby said. “I have a little girl that I’m preaching the same messages to.”
Flores talked about the challenges she faced competing in flag football during her formative years.
“I had to play in an all-boys league at the age of 13 or 14 again because we didn’t have a lot of girls teams,” Flores said to the participants. “Right now, to see how the sport has grown, all the opportunities that you girls may have to just explore passions … I’m very, very excited and proud of you.”
Both Hamby and McCoughtry explained how basketball can lead to several opportunities, from being able to travel or to work in various careers. The two-time Olympic gold medalist McCoughtry emphasized the importance of not quitting and not listening to naysayers.
“I think these young women are more excited than they ever have been before because of the growth of women’s sports,” McCoughtry said. “They see that they have opportunity. Now, they can stick with the sport.”
After the panel, the youth participated in a basketball clinic that was led by Jr Sparks coach San Dixon. They ran through shooting, running, and dribbling drills.
McCoughtry and Hamby were teammates when they were on the Las Vegas Aces in 2020 and 2021.
“[McCoughtry] poured a lot into this game,” Hamby said. “She’s given back a lot.”
Hamby is averaging 19.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game with the Sparks. She is currently competing on the Team USA Olympic women’s 3v3 team with Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick.
