Off The Court

Fri, Jul 8, 2016, 6:43 PM

The women of the WNBA are not only incredible athletes on the court but are also role models off the court. Throughout the season, we will be asking the Atlanta Dream players to discuss topics related to the organizations four pillars – Education, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Wellness and Inspiring Women – in order to provide fans a unique insight in to the athletes minds.

We recently asked members of the Atlanta Dream to discuss the pillar with the most significance to them.

“Off the court, education is very important to me. I’m a physical education teacher in Puerto Rico and for me, it is important to educate children about staying healthy and physically active because we have a problem with childhood obesity in America. Educating kids to stay in shape not only improves children’s muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition and cardiovascular endurance but provides children the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals.”
– Carla Cortijo

“I think education is so important in young people. I grew up always enjoying learning and loving to have a balance between school and basketball. That balance is so crucial as you grow up. It doesn’t necessarily have to be only school and sports- it can be band, it can be drama, it can be having a charitable cause or community outreach program. It is just important to grow yourself on and off of the court!!”
– Elizabeth Williams

“Off the court. I am extremely passionate about the LGBT community. I strive to be a role model for the community as to prove that you can be an out LGBT individual and be successful. As a Christian, I am also passionate about bridging the gap between the faith-based community and LGBT community.”
– Layshia Clarendon