My Shot by Elena Delle Donne

Author:Elena Delle Donne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Chapter Twenty

Moving to Chicago

When I was sitting in the ESPN studio, waiting to hear my name called, with my parents quietly sitting beside me, I felt like time was standing still. I heard Brittney’s name, and I saw lights flashing, and then the silence that followed seemed to swallow me. My thoughts were focused on one thing: when my name would be called. I was living in a moment that was encased in three words: “Elena Delle Donne.” And when I heard those words, it was like a balloon popped in my head.

Now things are happening. My life is moving forward, and it has swept me up fast.

I walked onto the stage to claim my Chicago Sky jersey and take photographs. Then I was ushered into a back room to do a few interviews. When I watch them now, I agree with everything I said, because it’s absolutely how I felt at the time. I was thrilled to be chosen by Chicago. They were the team I’d wanted, and getting to play in the WNBA was a dream come true.

Plus, I was so ready—emotionally and physically. My brother, Gene, had been psyching me up for weeks, saying things like “We have to get you mentally tough. Let’s do Kobe’s workout.” He even brought out boxing gloves during one practice session to prepare me for all the body contact I’d face in the WNBA.

Being ready doesn’t mean you can’t feel overwhelmed, though—especially when everyone around you is focusing on your future. Reporters were quizzing me on how I’d fit into the Sky, whether I thought I could take them to the play-offs for the first time in their history, and how I felt about moving away from Delaware, a place I’d lived my entire life. Every question being thrown my way was about a month from now, not the present, and it was starting to make my head spin. So I decided to pause for a moment and think about what joining the WNBA meant to me.

I need to appreciate what I’ve been given just for now. This is a huge second chance.

When I’d left UConn five years before, I’d thought basketball was over for me. But here I was now, at the top of the sport. In five years I’d learned and grown so much. I’d become a different person, and that was a true gift.

One thing I’ve learned since I burned out at UConn is that I’m not the only person who forgets to live in the moment. Far too many kids are taught that the future is all that they should think about. It’s a target or goal to reach, and they have to practice, study, or prepare for it every hour of every day. That kind of thinking is toxic, and it ignores all that you do—and all that you can be proud of—in the moment. In my opinion, it’s also a surefire recipe for burnout.

That’s why I was allowing myself to close my eyes and be thankful, if only for a few seconds.

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