Imagine a world where being true to yourself wasn’t always easy. That’s the world I grew up in, Lennox, and it’s one of the reasons I’m writing this letter to you, my incredible son, on your second birthday. You’re growing up so fast, already towering over kids your age (yes, I’m secretly hoping for a future point guard!), and your curiosity and joy light up every room. Your love for cooking alongside me, your fearless tackling of new adventures, and your unwavering confidence remind me daily of the beauty of childhood. But as you grow, questions will arise—about me, about your mom, about the life we’ve built. And I want you to have the answers, straight from my heart.
Let’s start with the fun stuff: You’re hilarious, Lennox. Your unique personality shines through in everything you do, from chopping veggies on your step stool to chasing waves at the beach. Watching you discover the world and find your passions is pure magic. Who knows what hobbies you’ll pursue as you grow? But I’m honored to be your front-row fan, cheering you on every step of the way.
And here’s where it gets personal: You know ‘Mommy does basketball,’ but what you might not realize yet is how groundbreaking it is for you to be courtside, surrounded by strong women athletes and their families. When I started my career, bringing kids to games wasn’t the norm, especially for women players. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come, and I’m proud to be part of that change. Balancing motherhood and a professional career is no small feat, but I never doubted that you belonged by my side.
Now, for a story that’s straight out of a rom-com: Your mom and I met over a decade before you were born. I was a freshman at Duke, and she was a basketball star at Long Beach State. Our paths crossed in the most unexpected ways—a chance encounter at a game, a Facebook friend request, and a reconnection years later that felt like destiny. Our journey wasn’t always smooth; we were young, living apart, and figuring out our lives. But something kept drawing us back to each other. By the time I graduated, we were inseparable.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Growing up, I couldn’t openly be myself. It was a ‘hush-hush’ kind of world, and I kept my true identity hidden, even at Duke. It wasn’t until I met your mom that I felt brave enough to share my truth with the world. Yet, on the night of the WNBA draft, one of the biggest moments of my career, she couldn’t be by my side. The fear of judgment was still too great. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much further we need to go.
Fast forward to 2018, and our love story took a turn for the romantic: I proposed to your mom on a boat in LA, surrounded by our closest friends. It was perfect—sunny skies, laughter, and her immediate ‘yes!’ But here’s the twist: a few weeks later, she proposed back! It was her way of saying, ‘I’m all in, too.’ On November 1, 2019, I married my best friend, and in my vows, I said, ‘I found someone I can fall in love with every day.’ That’s still true today.
Now, let’s talk about my career, because it’s intertwined with your life in ways I never imagined: Playing for the Sparks in LA was a dream, and it’s where I learned from legends like your Godmom Candace. Her basketball IQ and off-court wisdom left an indelible mark on me. But in 2020, I made a bold move to the Aces in Las Vegas. It was scary leaving California, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. With Becky at the helm, we didn’t just win a championship—we arrived. She unlocked a new level in my game, and I’m forever grateful.
And this is the part most people miss: As much as I love basketball, my greatest joy is being your mom. Watching you cheer me on courtside, seeing your excitement when I win, and sharing this life with you is priceless. My hope for you, Lennox, is that you grow up in a world more accepting than mine. That when you read this, you’re amazed by how far we’ve come. But for now, you’re my little boy, enjoying Mommy’s games, and that’s more than enough.
Here’s my question for you, and for anyone reading this: What kind of world do you want to create for the next generation? One where everyone feels free to be themselves, without fear of judgment? Let’s start that conversation in the comments.
Love you always,
Mom
