In her own words, Swin explains why she re-signed with the Seattle Storm.
by Swin Cash / @swincash
With the simple stroke of a pen, it’s over just like that.
I thought long and hard about taking my talents to South Beach but since the Miami Sol (RIP) is no more, my little ol’ talents and I decided to stay put in Seattle.
It took me a little longer than expected to make “My Decision.” I mean, minus the million dollar contract, national TV, and a wink, I got my Lebron James on and finally made a choice (hahaha). I remember watching Lebron’s “decision” last year at the Mohegan Sun Casino in CT with the USA Women’s National Team. The anticipation in the room made it seem like the President was about to address the country and we were going to war. I couldn’t even hear the slot machines going and I swear I heard a couple of pins drop.
Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating, but it really stopped everyone in their tracks. I remember after he announced it thinking to myself how tough that had to be. See, everyone was discussing why he should have stayed or why it was great he left yet no one cared that maybe, just maybe, it was the best decision for him and his family; our two cents really didn’t matter!
I don’t get paid millions of dollars like Lebron; hell, our league doesn’t even get millions like Lebron. I don’t have millions of fans, media, or analysts telling me which team I need to play for.
But I did have one thing in common with Lebron – a choice.
Some might question why I made the choice to stay. They probably wonder why I didn’t go back East to be closer to my family. Truth is, it wasn’t just one thing. Maybe in my early 20’s (like I’m so old now) I would have ran back to the East coast and my comfort zone. Shoot, I probably would’ve even rented a boat, road a horse, jogged barefoot, paddled a canoe…anything to get back East!
But, that was then and this is now.
For nine years, I have spent time around some of the most accomplished athletes, savvy business people, and amazing humanitarians this country has to offer; watching, taking notes, and preparing for life when the air comes out of the ball. There hasn’t been a time when I’ve spoken with Magic Johnson and not learned something or got a little advice. After nine years under my belt, I’m heading into year number 10 in the WNBA with a renewed focus, humility, and passion.
Now, let me give y’all a quick side note. For anyone that’s reading this and thin
ks I’m planning my retirement now, I say in my best Ochocinco voice (or is it Johnson now…oh whateva!) “Child please!” Point is, I’m not resting on what happened last year; I want another ring! I’ve never won a WNBA title back to back. It’s not a cocky statement; it’s a truthful one and anyone who says they wouldn’t want that needs to retire yesterday! I know it wont be easy, but where’s the fun in a cake walk?
The media and blogs get it all mixed up at times. An athlete shows interest outside of basketball and automatically they aren’t focused. Then, when an athlete retires and has no idea what’s next, they wonder how they blew all that money! How come they didn’t have a plan? Well, my answer is this – in life, everyone needs balance. And like Lebron James making a decision that was best for him and his family, my decision to stay in Seattle was the right fit, offered balance and gave me the best opportunity to join a small group of women that hold four championship rings!
As a fan, you may not agree how someone handles announcing his or her decision but you should respect it (wink, wink). The support I received on twitter was appreciated and humbling. When I played in Detroit I felt that kind of fan loyalty. That’s what made my decision to buy a home there so easy. Now I have Sue selling me on buying a place in Seattle!
If all goes as planned, Seattle could be my home away from home even once I retire…
- Swin
P.S. Having the ability to have free agency is in large part to the work of our NBA/WNBA Players Associations. As fans, I ask for everyone’s patience in letting the Players Association and the NBA do their due diligence in getting a new CBA agreement.
Both sides are needed in order to have successful leagues! This also pertains to the NFLPA. This is an important year in the sports world with two major leagues in negotiation. I’m hopeful, like all fans, agreements will be made without a labor stoppage. I encourage you all to ride it out. Remember, none of this is personal; it’s just business.
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