On Her Terms
Angel McCoughtry’s Mission to control the narrative of her own career
Angel McCoughtry has never been one to follow the ‘traditional’ path. She wasn’t a McDonald’s All-American and didn’t come into college as a highly ranked recruit. She had to fight for everything—academically, athletically, and professionally.
After not passing her SAT, she attended a prep school in North Carolina to continue chasing her basketball dreams. Despite the setback, she worked relentlessly, proving herself at every stage. That same determination propelled her to become a five-time WNBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history. But now, McCoughtry is fighting a different battle—one to control the narrative of her own career. Following a major injury, many assumed she would retire, but she made it clear through social media that she’s not done yet.
“This is proof that injuries will not hold u down. At 38, to grab a 10 ft rim, I’m proud. I need 11 ft next,” she posted on social media, accompanying a video of herself showcasing her athleticism. She is determined to dictate when and how she steps away from the game—not because of an injury, but on her own terms.
“I was the type of player that always spoke up for what I believed in,” McCoughtry shared. “As a Black woman in this industry, when you speak up, you’re considered a problem, uncoachable, etc. So I had that signal on me for a while.”
Her words reflect a painful reality that many Black female athletes have endured, especially before the growing visibility of women’s basketball. The fight for respect, fair treatment, and agency over their own careers has often come with backlash.
McCoughtry had a great career in Atlanta before it was time to move on. “I wasn’t always treated the best in Atlanta but had a great career there and it was time for me to go. After leaving Atlanta, I went to Vegas and when I went to Vegas I started to experience the beauty of being treated like a professional athlete. Playing with players like Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson was an incredible experience. They were fiery and brought so much energy to the game that I loved.”
However, injuries changed her course. “I got injured, twice. Back to back. It was a long journey to get back, but I am back. I’ve gotten to know and see the other side of the game—the ‘what have you done for me lately’ mentality. I got to see the meaning of that. But I believe in myself, so I’m working very hard and doing everything I need to do. I do not care about what anyone says about age or anything else. I will finish and retire the way I would like to.”
McCoughtry acknowledges the difficulties of advocating for herself in a league where veteran players can be overlooked. “I’m advocating for myself, and it hasn’t been easy. I feel like as much as I’ve accomplished, someone should give me a chance. I’m not going to waste anyone’s time. A lot of teams need vets, so I’m still trying to advocate for myself.”
Despite these challenges, McCoughtry continues to pave the way for the next generation of athletes by advocating and pointing out the lack of opportunities with newly established leagues such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited when asked by fans on X.
McCoughtry is also using her platform to speak on broader issues within women’s sports. She has been vocal about the inequities in how female athletes, especially Black women, are treated compared to their male counterparts. Her advocacy extends beyond just her own career—she’s fighting to shift the landscape for those who come after her.
Angel McCoughtry’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about perseverance, defying expectations, and demanding respect in an industry that often tries to dictate the path for women, especially Black women. Her journey isn’t over, and if there’s one thing her career has shown, it’s that she will write her own ending.
At The Athlete's Advocate, we are dedicated to supporting athletes as they transition to life after sports. Through offering resources, guidance, and a strong network, we help athletes navigate this next chapter and ensure their future success is just as impactful as their careers on the court or field. McCoughtry’s bold stance highlights the importance of self-advocacy, visibility, and the opportunity for athletes to shape their own paths. Athletes deserve the tools and support to define their next steps, and The Athlete’s Advocate is here to provide that foundation.