Swin Cash says, “Basketball gave me the vehicle to inspire and empower.” Whom do you want to inspire and empower?Like Swin Cash, do you have a passion that allows you to inspire others or empower those who feel powerless? What is it? Reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, or dreams for the future as you respond to each of these questions.


By Swin Cash, 2016. Reproduced by permission of The Players' Tribune.

While my playing career will soon be coming to an end, I will never be able to completely walk away. I care so much about whether the league will be around for another 20 years—and more. We had to fight to get where we are. We had to fight apathy. We still fight apathy, but with trust that change will come. We—the players—had to fight for the union, and fight to make it better. This is critical to our success. Many don’t understand but those are things we don’t get paid for. I’ve done all of this because many women before me sacrificed so that I could get my shot. And I did. So why wouldn’t I make sure that the generation behind me got theirs? I remember coming into the league and seeing some of the players who helped launch the WNBA—players like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Teresa Weatherspoon. They were playing not just for the love of the game, but because it was so important for the future. Futures that weren’t even theirs. My future. I was part of the generation of players right after that inaugural wave, and we never forgot their legacy. I’m so proud now when I see my nieces dribble a basketball. That’s something the women before me inspired. That’s something I inspired. I would live this particular life all over again to ensure young women recognize and embrace the queens they are within. This wasn’t an easy decision. It never is, no matter how well you’ve prepared. Most people don’t get to wake up every day and do something they’re passionate about. You always feel you can give more, but at some point you have to do what’s right for yourself. Maybe every athlete goes through that when they retire. It’s hard to open up your hands and let go of what you know. You hold on because it’s so much a part of your routine—and your life. I’ve always been training for something. What happens when that’s gone? I’ve told that kind of story about other athletes in my broadcast work, but now I’m on the other side. This is real. At the end of your career, you do a lot of reflecting. I’ve played for multiple teams in the WNBA, and they’ve all felt like home: Detroit and Seattle, where I won championships, and Chicago, Atlanta and New York, my last stops. And the fans in each of those cities became something like family to me. They’re the reason I’m announcing my decision now. I want to spend this season showing my gratitude to everyone who’s been a part of this journey. It’s been rich not just because of the accomplishments and wins, but also because of the people in my life: family, teammates, mentors and fans. I came into this game unapologetically fearless, as the woman I felt I was called to be. From the way I carried myself on and off the court, to using my voice for the union, to speaking out against discrimination, to fighting for all the kids in my Cash for Kids charity—all of this is bigger than me. It’s bigger than my career. There’s no greater legacy than a legacy of lasting impact. Basketball gave me the vehicle to inspire and empower. That was my purpose. I have 27 regular season games left. I’ll be taking in every moment as I look to the future, whatever it may hold. I understand there’s a new life waiting for me after that last whistle. May God allow it to be as blessed as this one has been—and a blessing to others, as well.