When Breanna Stewart was asked about one thing she regrets during a New York Liberty team dinner this season, it got her thinking. Stewart, during the 2023 season, was going through a lot of emotional turmoil as her father-in-law Josep Xargay, a loyal supporter, was battling lung cancer. But, all the while, Stewie was jumping up to the baskets ignoring the anguish that was burning her inside. Hence, when the out-of-blue introspective question was asked, Stewart realized something that would melt your heart.

Stewie was present in a chat with Sports Illustrated for a new cover issue when the 29-year-old spoke about her personal life and everything basketball. However, one anecdote that caught the fancy of her fans was when the otherwise outspoken and bold athlete divulged the thing she regrets in life.

Breanna Stewart regrets not opening up

As per the SI article, Stewie was caught up in one regret that she “didn’t open up to teammates before or during the Finals, wasn’t vulnerable, couldn’t explain all that she was carrying, the weight too heavy to bear… She doesn’t regret anything, though, especially being there for Marta. Well, that and the shot she didn’t take.”

Stewie was drafted in the WNBA as the first overall pick in 2016 by the Seattle Storm. Representing the Storm for 6 seasons, Stewie signed with the New York Liberty in a free agency in 2023. Her impact can be judged from the fact that even in her first season she took the Liberty to the Finals where they lost by a 3-1 margin in the Series Finales. And between what may have been and what could have been, Stewie couldn’t save her team from the Finals loss despite getting a chance, and maybe that was a reflection of her inner turmoil.

During the 2023 season, the Liberty were 2-1 down in the Finals series against the Aces, and Stewart had the ball in her hand with 8.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter. But, instead of shooting, what came as a surprise was that she passed the ball. The game ended soon with the Aces winning the contest by a 70-69 margin. Hence, the only regret she felt was that she should have been a little vulnerable about her situation which might have changed her destiny in other matters too.

What was Breanna Stewart’s personal situation that she didn’t open up about?

Stewart’s wife’s father, Josep Xargay, was her devoted fan. He would, even after the diagnosis of his cancer, turn on the TV to watch Stewie in action. Before he was diagnosed with the life-threatening disease, he would fly between Bangkok and Arizona to see her daughter Marta ply her trade. His sentiments were quite similar for Stewie who he would often cheer during her games. His love for basketball and his family didn’t suffer any hassle even after being diagnosed.

During his stay in a hospital in Spain, it is reported that he would cheer so loudly that patients from adjacent rooms started following Stewie’s exploits. After when he couldn’t, Josep would call up his daughter to express his condition and the limitations it brought in anger. That was a core sign of how much he loved Stewie. However, Stewie got the shock of her life when Josep passed shortly afterward and the last he spoke to Stewie was before her Championship Final game.

Hopefully, Stewie will keep this in mind going forward no matter how tough you are on the exterior, a little vulnerability never costs anyone anything. And perhaps, from here onwards, she will definitely share her problems with her teammates.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.