Five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings spent part of the day at Anderson University on Nov. 11 speaking to students and the AU women’s basketball team.
Tamika CatchingsCatchings was the featured speaker during the campus worship time at 10 a.m. When not playing for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, she spends much of her time talking to groups around the country. She shares her Christian testimony and her story about growing up with disabilities.
“I love being able to spend time with young people,” said Catchings. “I get to talk to them about what it was like to grow up with disabilities such as being hearing impaired, speech impaired, and even having glasses and braces at the same time. There were people all along the way – coaches, teachers, parents and others – who took time to encourage me. That’s why I’m where I am today.”
“Where she is” includes being a legend in the history of women’s basketball. After a college career at Tennessee, which saw her achieve All-America status four straight years, she was drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2001 as the third overall pick. In her rookie season she was selected Rookie of the Year, and finished runner-up for the league’s MVP award. She has been named to the All-Star team five times.
In 2004, Catchings formed the “Catch the Stars Foundation,” which provides sports and academic related programs for at-risk youth.
In addition to sharing her story with students attending chapel, Catchings spent time with the women’s basketball team talking about the sport and what it takes to reach the highest level of success. Catchings urged Anderson students to set goals in life and always rely on God’s direction in everything they do. – AU Communications