WNBA Champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist and dual Hall of Famer (Women’s Basketball and Naismith) Tamika Catchings has revived her YouTube channel and dubbed it Positivi-TEA with Tamika. The inspiration came from a fan that praised her positive attitude and encouraged her to share it with viewers.
”I didn’t want to do something professionally staged; I wanted it to be natural, I wanted it to be wherever I’m at; I wanted to go with the flow,” said Catchings. “I do it on my iPhone. I have a tripod and a ring light. I travel with those depending on what day of the week it is. Sharing the everyday kind of thoughts. In everything that I do, there’s something that brings me joy.”
She is honest in sharing her experiences, some of which have been negative, but Catchings provides positive ways to move forward. Drawing on faith and focus, whether by writing down goals and plans or finding ways to reframe challenges, Catchings emphasizes the power of shifting to a positive mindset.
The name relates to the fact that she is a tea entrepreneur, owning Tea’s Me Café Indy and Tea’s Me Community Café. In 2017, a tea shop she frequented was about to go out of business, and she bought it. There are now three locations, two of which are on college campuses as well as an online business selling loose leaf teas and a bottled tea line (teasmeindy.com).
When she was drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2001, Catchings had no way of knowing she’d remain rooted in the city. Not only did she play her entire WNBA career there — retiring after the 2016 season — but she’s remained in the city. In 2004, she started the Catch the Stars Foundation, continuing her commitment to the region. The foundation recently distributed 1,200 backpacks for back to school, and a fitness clinic is upcoming.
Although initially hesitant to delve into basketball commentary, Catchings has now worked with ESPN for eight years, mostly commentating games in the Southeastern Conference, of which her alma mater, University of Tennessee, is a member. Having played for Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols, Catchings always saw packed houses for college games, but she’s aware that was not the case everywhere. Today’s enthusiasm surrounding both college and the pros is exhilarating.
“It’s exciting to see people talking about the game everywhere I go,” Catchings said. “Seeing people in the stands, it’s about time, and it’s such a diverse group. A lot of young girls have the opportunity to see and to dream. Hopefully, one day we’ll be watching them.”