WNBA stars Angel Reese and Skylar Diggins-Smith recently opened up about the harsh realities of being a professional basketball player in the WNBA, specifically when it comes to starting a family. The two athletes sat down to discuss the challenges they face in balancing their desire to have children with the demands of their careers.
According to Reese and Diggins-Smith, the WNBA schedule is grueling, with a short offseason that makes it difficult for players to plan for pregnancy and childbirth. The league's schedule typically runs from May to October, with the playoffs extending into November. This leaves players with a very short window to recover, train, and prepare for the next season.
Both Reese and Diggins-Smith expressed their desire to have children, but they are hesitant to do so because of the potential impact it could have on their careers. They fear that taking time off to have a baby could lead to a loss of playing time, endorsements, and even their spot on the team. This is a harsh reality that many female athletes face, and it's a topic that is not often discussed.
The conversation between Reese and Diggins-Smith highlights the need for greater support and resources for female athletes who want to start a family. The WNBA and other professional sports leagues need to do more to provide their athletes with the support and accommodations they need to balance their careers and personal lives.
Some potential solutions that have been proposed include providing longer maternity leave, offering childcare support, and creating a more flexible schedule that allows players to take time off without jeopardizing their careers. These are just a few examples, and it's clear that more needs to be done to support female athletes who are struggling to balance their desire to have children with the demands of their careers.
Reese and Diggins-Smith are not alone in their struggles. Many female athletes have spoken out about the challenges they face in balancing their careers and personal lives. It's time for the sports world to take notice and make changes to support these athletes. By providing greater support and resources, we can help to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for female athletes who want to start a family.
The conversation between Angel Reese and Skylar Diggins-Smith is an important one, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and support for female athletes who are struggling to balance their careers and personal lives. It's time for the sports world to step up and make changes to support these athletes, and to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for all athletes, regardless of their gender or family status.