The Pivot Portal: The Story of Alexis Peterson
Athletes Who Made the Leap
‘Hi , My name is Alexis Peterson and I am a professional athlete from Columbus, Ohio.’
What factors led you to choose Syracuse University, and how did you know it was the right place for you?
I chose Syracuse because I felt like it was home away from home. I always knew I wanted to leave Ohio for school , but still be close enough to get home whenever necessary. Syracuse was the perfect distance. When I went on my visit to Syracuse I knew it was the right place also, because the connection I had with the coaches and the vision/direction they wanted to take the program. It was something that I wanted to be apart of. I believe I was able to be successful at Syracuse because of the people around me. I was surrounded by great athletes all four years, and we curated in environment that allowed, not only myself but our program to thrive as well.
What was the most significant take away from your college basketball journey that has influenced your professional career?
The most significant take away I had from my college basketball journey was the toughness mindset and resiliency instilled in us daily. Our coach was fearless and didn’t back down from any challenge. In order to play you had to be tough both mentally and physically. We had to overcome obstacles and still fight. I left Syracuse a fighter and it’s something I hold onto now in my professional career. I don’t back down from anything.
You pursued a degree in psychology; how did that field align with your aspirations, both as an athlete and beyond?
Initially, I wanted to pursue a medical degree. My dream was to become a pediatric anesthesiologist. However, I went a different route once on campus, and fell in love with psychology and understanding how people work. My undergraduate focus was on child and family psychology and dissecting the dynamics of families. After graduating I wanted to further that knowledge and got my Master’s in Criminal Justice Behavioral Science. My aspirations are to eventually enter the criminal justice field and combine the knowledge I’ve acquired from both degrees. Behavioral science directly ties into my work as a professionally athlete because I am constantly working with people from all walks of life. Understanding how people work and think allows me to build connections and relationships from a different perspective.
From Syracuse to The League
You were drafted by the Seattle Storm in 2017. What was going through your mind on draft day, and how did you prepare for the jump to the professional level?
I was drafted April 13th 2017 and that was one of the most memorable days of my life. That day was filled with anxiety and nerves. The moment I heard my name called I was shocked and grateful that my dream was finally turning into a reality. I prepared rigorously for the jump to the professional level by training daily to prepare for the start of training camp.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your rookie year in the WNBA, and how did you overcome them?
My rookie year was a whirlwind, and a complete shock. Things were done completely different from college. My rookie year I didn’t play as much and I came off a great senior year, so that was an adjustment. During that year I experienced the firing of our head coach which was also a first time experience for me. I navigated the obstacles from my rookie year by leaning on one of my fellow rookies and also one of the vets at the time and now current head coach Noelle Quinn, who took me under her wing and kept me confident.
You’ve played basketball in several countries, including France, Israel, and Poland. How has adapting to different cultures and languages influenced your personal growth?
Playing in different cultures has influenced my personal growth by allowing me to expand my mind and my way of thinking. When you’re overseas you get to experience life through a different lens. I’ve be blessed to be able to meet people and form relationships with people from different countries that will last a lifetime. These experiences are priceless.
How has your game evolved since you started playing professionally, and what aspects of your game are you still working to improve?
My game has evolved since I started playing professionally in the sense that I have a more mature and logical approach to the game. I study the game a lot more. I have truly become a student of the game and it’s allowed me to thrive in different settings. The aspect I am still working on improving is being an efficient three level scorer.
You’ve maintained a high level of performance for several years now. How do you stay physically and mentally ready to compete season after season?
I believe I am able to stay physically and mentally ready by never being satisfied. There’s always room for improvement and I have expectations for myself. In sense I am competing against myself because I want to leave the game saying that I did everything possible to put myself in the best position to compete at a high level.
You’re an olympian! Playing at the Olympics and representing the German women's nationalbasketball team is an incredible honor and experience. How did that opportunity come and what was the experience like for you?
The opportunity to play for Germany came about in August 2023. I was approached by the head coach and federation about potentially become a naturalized citizen and representing Germany in future competitions. The experience of playing the Olympics was incredible. That was something I never thought would possible for me. It was also the hardest thing I had to do at the same time. I found out that my citizenship was approved 4 weeks before the training camp started. I had to quickly integrate into a group of girls that had been playing together for a while and try to form my own relationships and chemistry to be successful.
Life After Basketball and Future Plans
Many athletes struggle with the transition out of sports. How are you preparing for life after basketball, and what are some of the steps you’ve taken to make that transition smoother?
Life after basketball is something that I think about constantly. I’ve thought of going several different routes after I am done playing. Aforementioned, I’ve heavily considered a career in criminal justice, however I’ve also toyed with the idea of coaching or something still in the sports realm. As of today I’ve tried to just focus on what I am most passionate about and what I can see longevity in post basketball.
Have you discovered any passions or interests outside of basketball that you’re excited to pursue once you retire?
I have discovered other passions and interests outside of basketball. In 2023 my partner and I created our own sports training business called “Advance Culture Sports”. We’ve had the opportunity to train kids in our off season as well as host a few charity events. This is something that I can see myself investing further in and pursing full-time.
Who or what has been your biggest support system as you navigate your career and think about your next steps beyond the court?
I would say my biggest support system navigating my career and life beyond the court would be my family and my partner. They are the ones who are in my corner no matter what, and whenever I entertain the idea of “whats next” they are there to support and encourage me.
Athletes often face financial challenges post-retirement. What kind of financial planning have you engaged in to prepare for life after basketball?
I am always thinking about whats next, and although I don’t have the exact time frame for retirement I still want to be prepared to transition smoothly. I have recently hired a financial advisor to begin planning for not only retirement but my future goals as well.
If you could give one piece of advice to young athletes who are just starting their journey, what would it be—both in terms of their playing careers and planning for life after sports?
If I could give one piece of advice to young athletes it would be that no bar is too high. What I mean by that is, people are always going to try and place you in a box and put their own limitations on you. You are the author of your book; you write the chapters as you see fit. You are the one in charge of narrating and editing your own story. Never allow what people think of you, or your game to limit you. Set your own goals and run your own race. Everyone’s journey and path is uniquely designed. I would tell them to stay away from comparison. Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay present at all times, and be where your feet are. Life is ever evolving don’t miss the opportunity to just “be” and enjoying being, because basketball will end one day. Lastly, as you prepare for life after sports think about the relationships and connections you’ve built along the way. Life truly isn’t about what you know but who you know. The places you’ve been and the people you’ve encountered, may be the very thing or person that helps you get to your next phase of life.