In a recent interview, Kelsey Plum, the WNBA star, opened up about the personal and professional challenges she has faced, shedding light on the emotional and mental struggles that have shadowed her life from a young age. Plum revealed that her childhood was marked by intense pressure to succeed, which only intensified as she progressed in her basketball career. Despite her remarkable achievements, including becoming a standout player at the University of Washington and later in the WNBA, Plum admitted to struggling with her sense of identity outside of basketball. Even after reaching her goals, she felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness, leading her to question her purpose and worth.
The interview became particularly somber when Plum discussed the darker aspects of her mental health journey. She shared how the constant scrutiny and comparisons to her past performances weighed heavily on her, leading her to a point where she felt completely broken. The expectations from others, coupled with her own self-doubt, pushed her to a low point where she even questioned why she continued to play basketball. This period of intense mental struggle was compounded by an Achilles injury in 2020, which, while physically debilitating, unexpectedly offered Plum a chance to slow down and re-evaluate her life.
During her recovery from the injury, Plum began working with a mental coach, which marked a turning point in her journey. She focused on meditation, gratitude, and rediscovering her spiritual side, all of which played a crucial role in helping her rebuild her mental and emotional foundation. This time of introspection allowed her to gain a clearer understanding of her value beyond her athletic achievements and to return to the sport with a renewed perspective.
Plum’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. By candidly sharing her experiences, she hopes to offer support and inspiration to others who may be facing similar battles with mental health. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system and finding joy and purpose outside of one’s career, lessons that she has learned through her own struggles and triumphs.
