New Website

My blog will know be on my new website: www.chamiqueholdsclaw.com its linked to wordpress.

This is Who I am

The stranger finds no grace in her stride,
no beauty in her smile,
no strength in her aggression

in his educated mind,
no lesson could be found in her story

her earned build,
too strong
her clean skin
dull
her inherited stature,
awkward.

his eyes glance,
but see no gleam.
but they needn't see it

undeterred, she keeps on
behind her stretches a bumpy
road,
clear with met challenges,
paved with dedication.

ghost of ancient rebels whisper the way,
with a brave heart and a curious mind,
she treads on because the instant that his vision informs her path,
We are all lost.

Femme Menace 2006

Reflection

Experiencing personal growth is such and amazing thing an it makes you want to pat yourself on the back. I realized today that it was my 10th year of playing professional basketball. I have had an career that many can only dream of. I grew up in what many consider the mecca of basketball N.Y.C, where I won 4 state championships at Christ the King.I decided to attend the University of Tennessee and play for legendary Coach Pat Summitt. At Tennessee I helped take the game of womens basketball to another level and became a household name and to many a crossover star. I left Tennessee a kid from Astoria Housing Projects who just loved to play ball and hated all the attention that came with success.

Now fast forward ten years I've been called and enigma, crazy, all sorts of rude things. I've battled with depression and nearly ended my own life. I've spent nights crying all alone asking God for help. I've walked away from the game I love so much twice. No one knew why not even my own mother.

I decided to take time away from the spotlight here in the U.S and go to Europe which serves as a hideaway for me. In two seasons away I traveled all over with friends and made up for lost times with family and faced my illness head on. I finally realized I couldn't do it alone anymore and thank God I did.

This season has been a great one for me. I allowed the leader I have always been to shine bright and have done an amazing job. Guess it's true adversity builds character and I'm so proud of the woman I've become and wouldn't change anything. I feel so naked in a sense and comfortable about sharing my story knowing it gives someone else strength.

"I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for the truth, and truth rewarded me" Simone de Beauvoir