By Tia Cristy
Growing up in South Carolina, she didn’t touch a basketball until her sophomore year of high school. That might not sound like such a big deal for some young girls out there, but it is impressive as can be when you learn that we are talking about retired WNBA star, Rushia Brown. I had the great pleasure to sit and talk with this 6’2″ beauty and learn all about her family and career, from her basketball glory days to currently making a global impact with helping young women on and off the court and supporting the wellbeing of sports retirees.
In the spring of 1972, Rushia was born in the Bronx, New York, but three years later, her parents decided to move to an area where riding bikes wouldn’t be so dangerous, contending with busy streets. Rushia grew up in Summerville, SC, where she started from humble beginnings, surrounded by her very tight-knit family.
“Family is everything,” she says. “I’m the oldest of three siblings. I have a kick-ass sister who just retired as one of the top-ranking officers in the Navy. I have a brother who’s an artist with his own art gallery. We are three very, very, …very different people, but there’s that core: the hard work, the belief in family, and the love we all have for what we do. It’s that core that we have consistent.”
Family Values
The family unit was strong since conception and wonderfully remains that way still today. However, Rushia’s world crumbled around her when she was in the midst of her freshman year of high school when her beloved father, who had been ill for some time, tragically passed away.
“I was a ‘daddy’s girl’… He was a huge sports fan,” she says with admiration. “I wasn’t into it then,” she admits. “He actually wanted me to be a singer,” she says with disbelief, “I don’t know why. I couldn’t sing.”
Of course, she had childhood ideas and aspirations, but when Rushia’s father became ill, any potential dreams understandably fell by the wayside. She found herself automatically in the role of primary ‘caregiver’ since her mother had to work to keep the family fed and dressed. She remembers clearly, as a young girl, pushing her father’s pain medication as she sat in front of me on our video chat, drawing imaginary lines in the air as she explained to me how she had to inject him to ease his agony.
Everything Changes
When her father passed away, and her caregiver role was suddenly snatched away from her, Rushia found herself hopeless and resorted to acting out.
“I got in with the wrong crowd. I was doing the wrong things… I was mourning my father,” she tells me as if she really needs to explain further the tortured, broken heart that was lying inside this young girl.
Rushia explains that she was always a good girl up until then. Neighbors and teachers alike witnessed the change and watched the light grow dim on this ray of sunshine. Fortunately, they did their best to protect and help a broken-hearted girl during her grief.
Then and there, Summerville’s girls’ basketball coach asked Rushia to play for the school’s Junior varsity. Rushia’s mom agreed it was a great idea, and Rushia knew it was time to make a conscious change in a positive direction.
“Basketball was how my family brought me back. My dad loved basketball,” she remembers. “After I tried it, I loved it, too!”
And, yes, Rushia may have fallen in love with basketball, but the bonus is that she was also extraordinary at it. By the time she reached her senior year at Summerville High School, Rushia was one of the top prospects for colleges nationwide. She was recruited by Harvard, Chapel Hill, and Duke, but when it came time to decide, Rushia chose Furman University because she wanted to remain close to her mother.
“My mom and I have always had an amazing relationship. She lives with me now in my home in Atlanta,” she says.
The love and passion that flows from Rushia as she speaks about her mother and how this 78-year-old go-getter, who is still moving and shaking after all these glorious years, still inspires her.
“She showed me what work was,” Rushia says. “She didn’t stop until the job was done, which has affected my life tremendously. Still, to this day, I know how to work. If I have stuff to do, I’ll get up at three o’clock in the morning to do it. I might have only gone to bed at midnight (because I’m in bed by midnight. I’d rather get up early.), but I’ll be up at three or four to make sure I’m getting this work done.”
So, it’s no surprise that Rushia’s journey in basketball was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. After making her mark in high school basketball, she was off to achieve greatness at the collegiate level, and there’s no doubt she left an indelible mark on the sport.
College Accolades
During her time at Furman, Rushia distinguished herself as one of the most dominant players in the nation. Her exceptional talent and work ethic propelled her to the top of the college basketball world, earning her numerous accolades and honors along the way. Rushia’s collegiate career was nothing short of remarkable, from being named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year to earning multiple MVP awards and Southern Conference Player of the Year honors.
Perhaps the crowning achievement of her college career came when her jersey, emblazoned with the number 34, was retired. This honor served as a testament to her unparalleled contributions to the program and solidified her legacy as one of the all-time greats in University history.
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Following her illustrious collegiate career, Rushia set her sights on the professional ranks, where she would continue to make waves on the international stage. Over the course of a decade, Rushia’s professional career took her to five different countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Korea. Her tenure overseas showcased her versatility and adaptability as a player, as she thrived in various basketball cultures and leagues. Not to mention, this extraordinary woman learned the languages of the countries that she lived in.
“I love learning about people,” she says, “And you can do that when you know the language.”
She Hits the Big Time
In addition to her success overseas, Rushia also made her mark in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where she spent seven memorable seasons. She became one of the first players to sign with the newly formed organization. During her remarkable time in the WNBA, she wore the jerseys of two franchises, the Cleveland Rockers and the Charlotte Sting.
Throughout her seven-year tenure in the league, she continued to showcase her scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking abilities, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. But above all else, “Basketball made me feel a closer bond to my dad”
Beyond her on-court exploits, Rushia’s impact extended far beyond basketball arenas. She served as a role model and mentor to countless aspiring athletes, using her platform to inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams, which she still does to this day. Whether she was hosting basketball clinics, participating in community outreach programs, or advocating for social causes, Brown remained committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her.
“Community is so important,” she tells me. “I love getting out there in the community and making a positive impact.”
Today, in the world of basketball, it’s safe to say that Rushia Brown’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars and chase their dreams. Her unwavering dedication to excellence, both on and off the court, serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a passion for the game. As basketball continues to evolve and grow, Rushia’s impact is an enduring legacy that transcends the sport.
After her retirement, Rushia decided to continue to invest in people. She transitioned from being a professional player to pursuing her passions to continue on a stream of positive impact.
Back to the Books
Her journey (so far) has been one of ambition, leadership, and empowerment. Armed with a thirst for knowledge, she pursued her Executive MBA from George Washington University to fortify her capabilities for her entrepreneurial and future endeavors. And driven by that entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make a positive impact, she embarked on passionate missions across various domains.
New Transitions
One of her most notable contributions is the establishment of the Women’s Professional Basketball Alumnae, a pioneering organization dedicated to supporting female athletes transitioning from the realm of professional basketball into mainstream society.
“I’m an empath, and I’ve also been able to learn from my experiences,” she says.
With first-hand recognition of the challenges these athletes face, Rushia sought to provide a support network and resources to facilitate a smooth transition into post-athletic life.
In addition to her work with the Alumnae, she co-founded ServCom, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing communities through educational and enrichment programs. Through ServCom, she aimed to address societal needs and foster positive change by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to thrive in their communities. Another program she created is BAWSE GIRLS. It is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young women by equipping them with the necessary tools to cultivate self-esteem, self-respect, and self-worth. Through this program, participants are encouraged to develop positive attitudes toward goal setting and achievement.
She tells me a heart-wrenching story of one young girl caught in a dangerous web of generational curses.
“I made her my project. She was great,” she says with passion pouring out of her soul. But as she dives into the deep details of this young girl’s generational challenge, I see the look change on Rushia’s face. “She stopped showing up.”
It turns out not everyone is ready to embrace the love, support, and guidance of these community programs, but for every one person who’s not ready, there are a dozen who are, and Rushia is prepared to take them in. I asked her if it stemmed from the love and support she got from her community when she was going through her rough time as a young girl.
“Absolutely!” she says. “Absolutely, it was pinnacle. And I want to be there for these girls.”
Momma Ru
Rushia has a beautiful maternal instinct, which she showcases not only with youths in the community but with her lovely daughter, Morgan. When I mention Morgan, Rushia gushes.
“My daughter is my everything. She changed me for the better,” she smiles.
Besides caring for the kids, Rushia also continues to care for other members of the community while applying her entrepreneurial skills and combining her hobby-passion of cooking. Her ventures now extend into the culinary realm by establishing Hearts & Hands Catering. Together with her family, she created a yummy business that provides nutritious alternatives to the community and promotes healthy living and holistic wellness.
Making Black History
Another family business emerged when her brother and she spearheaded the creation of Young Black Entrepreneur Magazine, a quarterly publication designed to inspire and educate minorities on entrepreneurship. The magazine catalyzes aspiring business owners to embark on their entrepreneurial journey with confidence by sharing stories of successful entrepreneurs and providing valuable insights and resources.
Rushia sounded emotional as she told me a story about her mother giving a keynote speech over Zoom for Black History Month. Her mother spoke in a packed Zoom room on her history of growing up on a plantation. Rushia’s grandparents were sharecroppers, and as her mother shared her childhood with the room, her mother spoke of how their family was one step away from slavery because they didn’t receive close to what they deserved. There wasn’t a dry eye in the chat room as she shared stories of what she had experienced and seen all those years ago.
“It told me so much about why she is the way she is,” she says admiringly. “I knew some things, but now it makes sense.”
As children, we tend to know a one-dimensional version of our parents, but it’s impressive when we discover they are multifaceted.
“I can understand what my daughter must think about me because I am a product of my mother. It just makes sense,” she explains.
A New Mission Formed
The whole experience and enlightenment that came from Rushia watching her mother inspired another project called Mommy and Me, which will focus on the relationships between mothers and daughters.
“I’ve played basketball professionally for 17 years. I’ll give my daughter advice, and she’ll be like, ‘Oh, mom!’ But we go into the local gym, and she’s listening to some guy who’s shooting airballs,” she scoffs. “But I get it, I’m her mother! So, the program will teach these relationships to look at one another and help build them,” she explains.
Rushia is still building relationships within the WNBA as well. During her tenure in the WNBA, spanning over five years, she assumed roles in executive management that showcased her leadership acumen and passion for positive change. Beginning with her tenure at the NBA/WNBA headquarters in New York through the Crossover Program, Brown gained invaluable experience and insights into the inner workings of professional sports organizations.
Changing History
In 2010, after a celebrity game, Rushia became aware that one of her WNBA ‘sisters’ was, in fact, homeless. Rushia was shocked and devastated by this news. On a mission, she had contacted the organization and found there was no help for retired women players. She then moved on to reaching out to NBRPA, which is the association for retired athletes. At that time, they only helped male athletes. But once Rushia and her fellow ‘sisters’ were done, women were added into the retiree association.
And I’m beyond happy to announce that just days before this interview, Rushia Brown was brought on as the association’s newest member of the Board of Directors.
Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
On that note, Rushia is an impossible force to ignore, and you wouldn’t want to, either. Her beautiful soul and generous heart radiate light from this superstar, and you just can’t help but want to be part of her world. The magic she had brought to the court is the same that she brings to the rest of the world. She keeps a hold on the athletics realm as well as being a mentor throughout communities.
In 2018, Rushia played a pivotal role in the relocation of the San Antonio Silver Stars to Las Vegas, where she served as the Player Programs & Franchise Development Manager for two years with the Las Vegas Aces.
Her strategic vision and dedication contributed to the team’s success and growth within the Las Vegas community. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Community Relations and Youth Sports for the Los Angeles Sparks, where she continued to champion positive change and community engagement. Through her initiatives, she inspired individuals to pursue their passions and strive for excellence, both on and off the court.
In every endeavor, Rushia Brown exemplifies resilience, vision, and a commitment to uplifting others. Her multifaceted career serves as a testament to the power of determination and leadership in effecting positive change in communities and industries alike. And the love for her family and the efforts she puts forth in her own community should be an inspiration to us all.
