Brielle
11/5/2021 9:28:00 AM | Women's Basketball
I knew things would change forever the very first time I held my daughter, Brielle, in my arms. You never quite know what you're going to feel until it's YOUR child.
You feel her tiny heartbeat.
You see her take those tiny breaths.
You look into those tiny eyes, and instantly—you melt.
That's when I knew I had to do everything I could to be the best mother I could be—to be the best athlete, the best in school, and the best all-around person in general.
There was suddenly this little girl looking up to me, and I knew I had to make sure that she's always taken care of.
It became less about me and all about her.
So no, I'm not the same basketball player I was when I first walked through these doors here at Alabama. I'm not even the same person.
My daughter made me better in every way possible.
Breaking the news
The pregnancy didn't come without its challenges. I mean, how could it? I knew I was going to have to step away from the team and adjust a lot of things in life.
And don't think for one second I didn't hear all of the negativity from outsiders, too.
"She's never going to be the same player she used to be. Her basketball career is finished. She'll never be able to bounce back from this."
This, that, and whatever—I heard all of it.
And yet, the hardest part was telling Coach Curry I was pregnant and had to step away from the game I've loved since I was a kid.
I honestly didn't know how to feel at first when breaking the news. I wasn't sure how Coach was going to react, you know?
This was bigger than basketball and truly a life-changing moment for me.
"We're going to get through this, and we're going to support you," she said. "Brittany, we're behind you."
Hard to describe the relief I felt right after that conversation. It was a pivotal moment for me. It's when I started to think that everything was going to be okay after all.
Seeing my coach, teammates, and, most of all, my family not giving up on me helped me not to give up on myself.
From that point on, I knew I could do this.
Both on and off the court.
It takes a family
After my daughter was born, I wanted to get back to where I left the game of basketball.
Actually, no, I wanted to be better.
In my only season with Alabama so far, I earned myself an SEC Player of the Week and even a College Sports Madness Player of the Week award—I wanted that again. And more.
It wasn't about proving people wrong, either. I really wanted to do this for my daughter. It became less about everyone else and more about securing her future by finishing college, getting a good education, and taking this game as far as I could take it.
I also started thinking about the journey and all of the hard work it took for me to just even be in this position, you know?
Things didn't go as planned for me coming out of high school, and instead of going straight to a Division I school, I ended up going to a junior college. I had a wonderful time there and loved the people I met, but nonetheless, I had to scratch and claw my way to this opportunity here at Alabama.
Nothing was ever handed to me back then, and nothing is going to be handed to me now.
I'm just thankful to have the support of my family as I chase these goals.
My parents have been my biggest supporters from the very beginning.
Mom, Dad—you guys are the real MVPs.
They're taking amazing care of my daughter at home so that I can continue my education and basketball career. I can't even put into words how much I appreciate them for sacrificing their time to take care of my child.
It's hard just seeing her on weekends, but it's what's best for her at this moment.
I also owe a big thank you to my grandmothers, Susy Farley and Ruby Davis, my sister, my brother, my aunties and uncles, and Brielle's father.
The way this family has pulled together is just amazing.
My daughter is one lucky girl.
The greatest motivator
Honestly, though, I'd say I'm pretty lucky as well.
Just having my daughter in my life and being a mother made me a better person because it forced me to look at things differently. Life is now about me being the provider and ensuring we don't have to struggle.
There's no greater motivating factor.
I'm going to continue having a positive attitude each and every time I walk through these doors. I'm determined to put in the work with my teammates and have a great season.
Things are clearly different now that I'm back.
I'm more focused than ever before and no longer just going through the motions. There's too much riding on this opportunity for me not to give everything I have.
Today, I wear three hats proudly—mother, student, and basketball player.
And I'm excited for what my future holds in store for me.
