Two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA veteran Angel McCoughtry is hoping to return to WNBA action this summer with a team that appreciates her skills honed through college, the league, and international play. In the meantime, those interested in her journey can check out Fuse Media’s unscripted series “Like a Girl,” which debuts on March 29. Former baller Beija Marie Velez speaks with several female athletes who provide their perspective on women in sports.
“Obviously, I get into a lot of the issues that we face as women, as athletes,” said McCoughtry, the top pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft. “Different things we fought [for] to get to where we are now.”
No subject was off limits for Paralympic swimmer Anastasia Pagonis, beach volleyball champion April Ross, skateboarder Jennifer Soto, and other athletes as they discussed challenges they face on and off the field, such as mental health, social stigmas, body image, and racial inequality.
“Playing overseas and in the WNBA for 10 years straight with no break, that is not normal,” said McCoughtry, who has played professionally in Turkey, Slovakia, Hungary, and Russia. “I spoke about my experiences that I’ve faced and also added experiences I’ve seen through others.”
Last month, McCoughtry participated in USA Basketball’s training camp in Minneapolis, which provided a good opportunity to show her skills are sharp. “I’m back healthy again,” she said. “The Olympics are next year, so I’m hoping I can contend at least one more time…I have a lot left in the tank and I have a lot of experience.”
“Like a Girl” gave McCoughtry a chance to speak about the grind that WNBA players face with nearly year-round play. “I discuss a lot of deep aspects on the show,” she said. “It’s not easy to go live in another country for seven or eight months. I explain a lot about the life and the journey of it. We need more storytelling on those aspects.”
McCoughtry is also an entrepreneur, having opened McCoughtry’s Ice Cream store in Atlanta. The store closed during the pandemic, but she’s reopening it this spring. It’s all homemade ice cream, and there are some unique delicious flavors. She has a mobile truck that will be seen at various festivals and events in Atlanta, and she is in the process of exploring a new storefront.
This week, she’ll be watching the NCAA March Madness women’s basketball tournament and cheering for her alma mater, University of Louisville.
