WNBA legend Lisa Leslie is speaking candidly about her experience applying for coaching jobs in the league—and why she’s done pursuing coaching opportunities after being passed over.
During an appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast, “The Unapologetically Show,” the three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist revealed that she applied for two coaching positions this year but was not selected.
“I put my name in a hat to coach this year, for two teams,” Leslie said. “I did not get picked.”
The Challenge of Being a Black Woman in Sports Leadership
Leslie, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time, didn’t hold back when discussing the systemic barriers Black women face in coaching roles.
“It’s like you gotta be 10 times as great as a Black woman in this industry,” she said. “When I tell you that who these people hired is not better than me and what I could do for this team and players, but it’s okay because, again, I’m very much that what’s for you is for you. And that’s not for me. And I’m okay with that.”
Leslie Won’t Pursue WNBA Coaching Again
Despite her Hall of Fame career, Leslie made it clear that she will not attempt to coach in the WNBA again.
“I will never attempt to coach in the WNBA again. Period,” she stated. “I moved on, and I got new contracts.”
Her comments highlight a larger conversation about the lack of Black women in leadership positions within professional sports, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by even the most accomplished athletes when transitioning to coaching or executive roles.
