​By Angie Tompkins

​I went from being in college to losing my scholarship. I got in trouble with the law. I made the decision not to tell on anyone and took that charge. I should’ve never put myself in that situation, so I suffered the consequences. I struggled and was homeless for multiple years, I went from almost having the world in my hands then losing everything to being back on top again.
God had me and I didn’t give up.  I went from living in the streets to gaining an opportunity to play junior college basketball which led to me playing Division 1 basketball. Now I’m playing professionally overseas, and this is my 3rd year as a professional athlete. 🙏🏾
As I look back it’s been one hell of a journey and the suffering and pain that I went through I’m proud to say it was well worth it. But I’m nowhere near finished. I wish nothing but prosperity, triumph, and great health to those that are still grinding to get out of tough circumstances.
I wanted to let you know and tell you that “YOU MATTER”. I’m in my third year of playing professional basketball overseas, currently in Turkey. It’s been a weird ride. I would say one of my issues that I’ve had playing over here is the language barrier, understanding what the coaches want and how they want me to perform on the court. The most important thing I have learned playing professional basketball is to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!
I’m currently back at the weight I should be, in order to perform consistently but imagine if I just stayed consistent and bettered my game, instead of trying to get back in shape and staying stagnant with no growth.
As of now, all I know is basketball, but I’ve noticed I need to put myself in the right position, just in case things don’t work out in the future. I used to be so stuck on thinking basketball is all I know, and it is all I have.
Now, I think about my future and continue to ask myself often, “What do I have to lean on?”, What’s going to take care of me financially?”, “How will I take care of myself if basketball is all I know?” When it’s time to hang the kicks up, how can I make consistent revenue to continually provide for myself.
I appreciate Coach Conyers, for opening my eyes on this aspect of my life, I have yet to thoroughly think about. We think we’re invincible until we suffer an injury or old age sets in. I know I’m not going to be able to do this forever. I don’t want to be the person that made so much progress and slowly degenerate after I’m done playing. I want to thank Coach C for everything she’s instilled in me to be great. It’s been a great experience because I’m learning every day. I just want to continue doing what I know how to do best for as long as I can. Then transition smoothly into the rest of my life without basketball. Also, I want to use my story to inspire other athletes.