In the world of sports, every athlete has to face a unique set of challenges on their journey to success. These challenges often extend beyond the court issues related to racial disparities, public scrutiny, and personal struggles can take a heavy toll on the mental health of an athlete.?
In a recent conversation, the Las Vegas Aces star, A?ja Wilson, gave her advice to athletes facing challenges as Black athletes, achieving success, and the toll it can have on their mental health.
The Aces star advice to the young athletes?
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In a recent appearance made by the Aces forward, A?ja Wilson on ?Sports Seriously?, she sat down with the host, Mackenzie Salmon, and discussed several topics. During the conversation, Salmon asked Wilson about her advice for the athletes who face harsh media criticism. She asked, ?What message do you (Wilson) have for athletes like Angel Reese, you know, Sha?carri Richardson, who face such hard criticism in the media, what would be your message to them???
In her response to this question, Wilson said, ?The biggest thing have to be is feel the feelings. I think, we all kind of grew up, just putting on this mask and having a talk a certain way or be a certain way and I think we?re slowly starting to break out of that mold. But at the end of the day, it?s just feeling the feelings.?
She further added, ?Like on times, like I would much rather accept a fine then talk and mess up my peace and my mental to someone that?s trying to get the story out. I mean, that?s something I am going to take every single day because I have to protect my peace at all costs. So I think that?s the biggest thing is just feel the feeling on the days you got it, cool with the days you don?t got it.”
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson shares advice for Sha’Carri Richardson, Angel Reese and other young athletes. pic.twitter.com/T3xDi0bJgV
? USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 17, 2023
Wilson continued, ?Be okay with that and understand that it?s okay within that. But also protecting your peace, I think we get so caught up in trying to be this person this athlete all the time you gotta protect your peace at times and understanding that it?s ok to do so.? Wilson encourages athletes to break free from these molds and acknowledge their feelings, even the difficult ones.
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Notably, A?ja Wilson takes a strong stance in support of Black women athletes.
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The Aces star supports her community
A?ja Wilson is one of the most standout, respected, and influential women athletes of all time. From leading the Las Vegas Aces to the championship win last season and again leading them to the Finals this season, Wilson is one of the most impressive players in the WNBA league. Being one of the biggest players on such a big platform, Wilson uses her platform to represent and speak out for her community.
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Wilson has even shared many Instagram posts supporting her community, with captions like, ?I’m a Black woman before anything else.? As we celebrate A’ja Wilson’s achievements on the court, we also applaud her unwavering support for Black women athletes. With her powerful voice and actions, she continues to be an inspiration to all.