Hello Renee, Reality Check on Line One!

What a week to be Renee Montgomery! First team All-American on everyone’s team. Voted the nation’s best point guard. Cap off an undefeated regular season with a strong performance in winning the national championship. And most likely, the number one selection in this year’s WNBA draft.

But wait a second, Renee, you are about to get the rudest awakening of your life unfortunately. The private planes to games? Gone. The first class hotels and restaurants on the road? Gone. Playing before 10,000 people every night? Most likely gone too.

Welcome to the WNBA, Renee. Where meager paychecks and hero worship are often replaced by the reality of a first time employee’s experiences. No one will tell you when to study, when to go to class, where to be, when to be there. You are on your own. You will be flying coach, and you will be sharing hotel rooms with new teammates. And in some cities, you’ll be playing before an empty house.

But before you go running away screaming about what have you done in graduating, let’s look at the bright side. A little over a decade ago, you couldn’t even do this. You would be looking at a “real job” or playing only overseas. Now you get to see the country, and eventually the world, playing a game you love and hopefully building a sport up for those that come after you.